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.”

details before adding, “Our recommendation is a private settlement. A small compensation fee, and the case is closed. There’s no concrete evidence, and honestly, taking this to court

fell

Hadley. Was this really how things had played

biker actually harassed her, and she

deliberately stirring

was only because he hadn’t given her a ride that

with that thug…

his jaw tightening as he mulled it over.

go ahead with the

“No!”

her posture firm as she faced the officer

I don’t know this man. He has no authority to speak for me. I refuse the settlement!

single cent!”

“This is-”

rage. “Enough

turn this into a whole ordeal? Don’t listen to

please come

him, fury burning in her eyes. “This

I said no settlement!”

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

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

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“Eric!”

His Lips

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

Eric ultimately made the payment, signed the necessary documents,

settlement.

collect your belongings, and

thanked the officer and his focus shifted back to Hadley. “Let’s go. Get

direction, Hadley stood and walked straight to

handed it over. “Make sure

item–her phone, keychain, pepper spray, and…

“Everything’s accounted for.”

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

actually carry

up the brick, his eyes narrowing as he

it from his grasp and attempting to tuck it back into

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

it with you.”

brows lifted in surprise.

get through subway security with that. Consider yourself lucky this time that no major harm was done. Next time, you might

hint of reluctance crossed her face before she let

tucked the rest of her belongings into her bag and zipped it

“Appreciate it, officer.”

“No problem.”

turned and strode out of the police

brisk,

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

home!”

“Don’t touch me!”

alarm as she shot him

“Stay back!”

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His Lips Met

lifting his hands in a gesture of surrender. “Alright, I