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 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 would be a pointless drain of time and money. It’s just not

the information, Eric fell

Was this really how things had played

her, and she had only acted

wasn’t deliberately stirring up

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

with that thug…

darkened, his jaw tightening as he mulled it over. Turning to

ahead with the

“No!”

from her chair, her posture firm as she

this man. He has no authority to speak for me. I

single cent!”

“This is-”

his face paling with rage. “Enough of this! It’s

turn this into a whole ordeal? Don’t listen to her–I’ll handle

please come

she glared at him, fury burning in her eyes.

I said no settlement!”

in frustration at her defiance. Was she seriously going to drag

face before his voice turned mocking. “Is that so? And what exactly do you plan to do about it? I’m handling this whether you like it or

18.6%

Q

19:12

|||

O <

“Eric!”

His Lips

she watched him override her decision. Her eyes stung with anger. Five thousand

her protests, Eric ultimately made the payment, signed the necessary documents, and

settlement.

to collect your belongings, and you’re

and his focus shifted back to Hadley. “Let’s go. Get your things, and we’re

so much as a glance in his direction, Hadley

The officer handed it over. “Make

She rummaged through it, checking each item–her phone, keychain,

“Everything’s accounted for.”

landed on the unexpected

carry

his eyes narrowing as he noticed the dried blood

remained silent, taking it from his grasp and attempting to tuck it

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

it with you.”

in surprise.

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 lucky this time that no major harm

face before she let out a

tucked the rest of her belongings into her

“Appreciate it, officer.”

“No problem.”

turned and strode out of the

pace was brisk,

as he hurried after

home!”

“Don’t touch me!”

with alarm as she

“Stay back!”

46.9%

…

19.12

O

His Lips Met

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