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

Chapter 15 His Lips Met

Hers

“I’m on my way!”

Ending the call, Eric felt his patience wearing thin. Yet again, Hadley had landed herself in trouble. Ever since she returned to Srixby, chaos seemed to follow her everywhere.

Now, she was being held at a police station for assault?

This wasn’t just another minor issue–it was serious.

Grinding his teeth, he grabbed his keys and stormed out, heading straight for the police station.

The city was eerily quiet at this hour, the roads nearly deserted.

Eric pulled up at the station in under thirty minutes.

Just as he stepped forward, a young officer blocked his way. “This area isn’t open to just anyone. Who are you?”

“They called me in.”

His expression remained impassive, his gaze unwavering. “I’m here for Hadley Pearson. I’m her… friend.”

“Hadley Pearson? Very well, go ahead.”

The officer granted him entry and shouted back into the station, “Someone’s here for Hadley!”

“Really? Send them through!”

Seated inside, Hadley was taken aback. Who could it be?

She turned in confusion, only to meet Eric’s stern visage, intensifying her bewilderment. Why was he here?

Eric’s expression was grave, his demeanor cold.

“Hadley, tell me the truth. Did you orchestrate this? Are you trying to complicate my life now? Is this your way of holding on to me?”

The situation was painfully reminiscent.

Four years ago, with Linda’s incident, Eric had similarly rushed to judge, leaping to conclusions without grasping the entire situation or knowing all the details.

Hadley parted her lips to speak but then chose silence.

Let him think what he pleased.

0.0%

19:11

<

Chapter 15 Mis Lips Met Hers

Their paths would soon diverge completely, leaving no connection between them. His opinion of her was

irrelevant.

“Are you going to say anything?” Eric let out a short, bitter laugh when Hadley remained silent. “I must have hit the mark, huh? Grandma actually thought you’d changed, that you’d grown wiser! How ridiculous!”

For a moment, even he had believed she had changed. But clearly, it had all been an act.

“Uh…”

A police officer finally intervened, pulling Eric aside. “Sir, please calm down. Let me explain the situation first.”

“Fine.” Eric exhaled sharply, forcing himself to rein in his temper. “Go on.”

“Alright.”

the case is closed. There’s no concrete evidence, and honestly, taking this to court would be a pointless drain of time and money. It’s just not worth the hassle, wouldn’t

information, Eric fell into a

Hadley. Was this really how things

harassed her, and

deliberately stirring

he hadn’t given her a ride

with that thug…

jaw tightening as he mulled it

we’ll go ahead with the

“No!”

shot up from her chair, her posture firm as she

man. He has no authority to speak for me. I refuse the settlement! I’m not

single cent!”

“This is-”

with rage. “Enough of this! It’s only five

into a whole ordeal?

come this

as she glared at him, fury burning

I said no settlement!”

twisted in frustration at her defiance. Was she seriously going to drag this out instead of taking

pale face before his voice turned mocking. “Is that so? And what exactly do you plan to do

18.6%

Q

19:12

|||

O <

“Eric!”

15 His Lips

over as she watched him override her decision. Her eyes stung with anger. Five thousand dollars wasn’t

her protests, Eric ultimately made the payment,

settlement.

your belongings,

to Hadley.

a glance in his direction, Hadley

handed it over. “Make sure nothing’s

checking each item–her phone, keychain, pepper spray,

“Everything’s accounted for.”

the unexpected object. Pepper spray made sense,

carry this

his eyes narrowing as he noticed the dried blood

it from his grasp and attempting to tuck it back into

raised a hand, stopping her. “Miss, that’s considered a

it with you.”

lifted in surprise.

wouldn’t be able to get through subway security with that. Consider yourself lucky this time that no major harm was done. Next time, you might not get

reluctance crossed her face before she let

belongings into her bag and zipped

“Appreciate it, officer.”

“No problem.”

and strode out of the

brisk,

Hadley!” Eric’s voice rang out as he hurried after her, struggling to keep pace. “Slow down! I’ll drive

home!”

“Don’t touch me!”

alarm as she shot him

“Stay back!”

46.9%

…

19.12

O

His Lips Met

hands in a gesture of surrender. “Alright, I won’t touch you. I won’t get any closer.