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.”

so?” Hadley responded smoothly, maintaining

got here and now you’re already sending

something?”

“What

am I suggesting?” Hadley’s voice carried a mocking tone as she gestured towards Ernest. “Eric isn’t here, so no need to keep up

eyes then flicked to Linda’s abdomen. “What really happened back then? Can you live with your

“What exactly are

“All these years, don’t you feel any remorse when

at your

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

was conversing with Nyla on his

Ernest alone, Nyla promptly reached

quite isolated there, and it’s getting late. Hadley

“I’m aware, Grandma.”

deeply and massaged his forehead. “I’ve

his brother had been on his agenda for

worry. She’ll be home safe under

“Thank you.”

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approached the ward’s door, pushing it open to

drama.

gesturing emphatically towards the exit. “Leave now! You

beside the bed when Eric saw

gaze sharp and intense. “Hadley, what have you

“Eric!”

welled up in

“I’ve got this.”

swiftly

his arm, her voice desperate. “I can’t stand

leave!”

Linda so upset, Eric wasted

Hadley, anger evident in his expression. “Did you not hear her? Get out

released a soft, sardonic chuckle. She set the razor

“Hold on!”

moved by Linda’s distress, felt compelled to defend

of yellow calla lilies from a nearby table. “Are these

confirmed with

with a flick

she now forbidden even to

you

Hadley’s reluctance, Eric took action himself, snatching

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

pierced hers, immobilizing

can you show your

suddenly looked away, her shoulders trembling as though she might cry.

can’t take this!”

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

the bouquet tightly, seemed

could she possibly say

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13 How Can You Show

“Alright, I’m leaving.”

sharply and left

exited, Eric approached Linda, offering support. “There’s

sure the staff doesn’t

her

bus stop closest to the hospital,

buses stopped running

what was she supposed to

to walk home once

grueling two–hour trek the previous evening, it looked like she

seemed her feet were her only