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 would be a pointless drain

the information, Eric fell into a contemplative

toward Hadley. Was this really how things

harassed her, and she had only acted

deliberately stirring

only because he hadn’t given her a ride that she ended up crossing

with that thug…

mulled it over. Turning to the officer,

go ahead with

“No!”

from her chair, her posture firm

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

single cent!”

“This is-”

Eric’s patience snapped, his face paling with rage. “Enough of this! It’s only five grand! Are you

ordeal? Don’t listen

come this

teeth clenched as she glared at him, fury burning in her eyes. “This isn’t your

I said no settlement!”

her defiance. Was she seriously going to drag this

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

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“Eric!”

15 His

Her eyes stung with anger. Five thousand dollars

protests, Eric ultimately made the payment, signed

settlement.

to collect your belongings, and

to Hadley. “Let’s go. Get your

his direction, Hadley stood

bag.” The officer handed it over.

item–her phone,

“Everything’s accounted for.”

her, Eric’s gaze landed on the unexpected object. Pepper spray made

actually carry this

picked up the brick, his eyes narrowing as he noticed the dried blood staining its

grasp and attempting

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

it with you.”

in surprise.

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 was done. Next time, you might not

her face before she

rest of her belongings into her bag and zipped it

“Appreciate it, officer.”

“No problem.”

turned and strode

pace was brisk,

after her, struggling to

home!”

“Don’t touch me!”

alarm as she shot him

“Stay back!”

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His Lips

surrender. “Alright, I won’t touch you. I won’t get any closer. Just take