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.

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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.”

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 contemplative

eyes flicked toward Hadley. Was this really how

her, and she had only

wasn’t deliberately stirring

he hadn’t given her a ride that

with that thug…

he mulled it over. Turning to the officer, he made

we’ll go ahead with the

“No!”

shot up from her chair, her

to speak for me. I refuse the settlement! I’m

single cent!”

“This is-”

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

whole ordeal? Don’t

please come

as she glared at him, fury burning in her eyes.

I said no settlement!”

seriously going

so? And what exactly do you plan to do about it? I’m handling

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“Eric!”

15 His Lips Met

over as she watched him override her decision. Her eyes stung with

protests, Eric ultimately made the payment,

settlement.

to collect your belongings, and

back to Hadley. “Let’s

his direction, Hadley stood and walked

officer handed it over. “Make sure

it, checking each item–her phone,

“Everything’s accounted for.”

landed on the unexpected object. Pepper spray made sense, but a half

carry

narrowing as he noticed the dried blood

taking it from his grasp and attempting to tuck it

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

it with you.”

brows lifted in surprise. “I

right.” The officer gave a knowing smile. “It’s not a knife or anything, but it’s still a potential weapon. You wouldn’t be able to get through subway security with that. Consider yourself

hint of reluctance crossed her face before she let out a quiet sigh.

of her belongings into her bag

“Appreciate it, officer.”

“No problem.”

she turned and strode out of the police

brisk, her movements

rang out as he hurried after her, struggling to keep pace. “Slow down! I’ll

home!”

“Don’t touch me!”

flashing with alarm

“Stay back!”

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His Lips Met

gesture of surrender. “Alright, I won’t touch you. I