Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You Can't Afford Me by Thedora Birnir

Chapter 13 How Can You

Show Your Face Here

The man on the bed did not react to Hadley’s presence.

Despite the years that had slipped by, Ernest still looked much the same, as if he were merely asleep.

Memories of Ernest, vibrant and driven, flooded Hadley’s mind…

She struggled to come to terms with the reality, even after all this time.

It seemed so unjust that such a kind person could endure such a fate.

Ernest was a good man, yet he had spent years lying there in a coma. Chances were, he would never wake up.

The sound of the bathroom door interrupted her reflections. A caregiver appeared.

With a basin of water in hand, the caregiver noticed Hadley’s tear–streaked face and nodded courteously.

“Hello.”

“Hi.” Hadley offered her hand. “Are you going to wipe his face?”

“No, I’m actually here to shave him,” he replied.

Understanding, Hadley observed Ernest’s face, noticing the thick stubble that shaded his jaw blue. “I’ll take care

of that. I know how to do it.”

During Ernest’s initial hospitalization, Hadley had been the one to look after him.

At that time, Nyla was overwhelmed with grief and illness, Eric was preoccupied with work, and Linda was

expecting…

Thus, Hadley had become the primary caregiver within the Flynn family.

Caregivers typically deferred to such wishes from the family members.

He set the basin on the nearby stand and passed her a towel. “Here you go.”

“Thank you.”

Gratefully accepting it, Hadley dampened the towel and used it to warm Ernest’s face.

She then spread shaving cream over his face and started the careful process of shaving him.

Engrossed in her task, Hadley didn’t notice Linda enter the room.

Limping slightly from her injured ankle, Linda approached and stopped by the bedside, staring at Hadley in

astonishment.

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Chapter 13 How Can You Show Your Face Here

“Hadley, is that really you?”

Her expression turned into a frown. “What are you doing here? And why are you doing this?”

Looking up, Hadley responded, “I came to visit Ernest… and as you can see, I’m shaving him.”

Linda chuckled lightly, a hint of amusement in her voice. “I can see what you’re doing.”

“And why bother asking, then?” Hadley retorted sharply.

“You…”

A silent standoff ensued as their gazes locked.

With a dismissive wave, Linda crossed her arms and sighed. “Fine, you’ve visited. Now you should go. We have caregivers; your presence isn’t necessary.”

responded

now you’re already sending me

something?”

expression darkened. “What are

voice carried a mocking tone as she gestured towards Ernest. “Eric isn’t here, so no

Linda’s abdomen. “What really happened back then? Can you live with your deceit, fooling everyone, even yourself? Think about it, Linda. Do you truly deserve

“What exactly

you feel any remorse when

at your

enraged, Linda gestured towards the exit. “Leave now! You have no place

was conversing with Nyla on his

see Ernest alone, Nyla promptly reached out to Eric,

quite isolated there, and it’s getting late.

“I’m aware, Grandma.”

and massaged his forehead. “I’ve already

his agenda for the evening as

She’ll be home safe under my watch,

“Thank you.”

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ward’s

drama.

the exit. “Leave now! You have no

was just beside the bed when Eric

his gaze sharp and intense. “Hadley,

“Eric!”

up in

“I’ve got this.”

swiftly to

away!” Linda grasped his arm, her voice desperate. “I can’t stand to

leave!”

upset, Eric wasted no

expression. “Did you not hear

chuckle. She set the

“Hold on!”

moved by Linda’s distress,

bouquet of yellow calla lilies

with a

dismissed her with a flick of

Was she now forbidden even to leave

are you still

snatching

he hissed, “Do you think Ernest would appreciate it? Had it not been for your actions, his child would be

gaze pierced hers, immobilizing

can you show

shoulders trembling as though she might cry. “Eric, please, that’s

can’t take this!”

by Linda’s distress, Eric redirected his frustration towards Hadley. “Aren’t you going

the bouquet tightly, seemed rooted

possibly

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13 How Can You

“Alright, I’m leaving.”

turned sharply and left without

approached Linda, offering support. “There’s no need to cry, She’s

I’ll make sure the staff doesn’t allow her

said, her voice choked with

stood at the bus stop closest to

buses stopped

what was she supposed

to

it looked like she was in for a repeat

again, it seemed her feet were