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 of time and money. It’s just not worth the hassle, wouldn’t

the information, Eric fell into a contemplative

Hadley. Was this really how things had played

harassed her, and she had only

wasn’t deliberately

the situation, it was only because he hadn’t given her a ride that she ended up crossing

with that thug…

as he mulled it

ahead with the

“No!”

her chair, her

man. He has no authority to

single cent!”

“This is-”

“Enough of this!

whole ordeal? Don’t listen to her–I’ll

come this

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

I said no settlement!”

she seriously going to drag this

“Is that so? And what exactly do you plan to do about it? I’m handling this

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“Eric!”

15 His Lips

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

Eric ultimately made the payment, signed

settlement.

head over to collect your belongings,

focus shifted back to

glance in his direction, Hadley stood and walked straight

officer handed it over. “Make sure

rummaged through it, checking each item–her phone, keychain, pepper spray,

“Everything’s accounted for.”

behind her, Eric’s gaze landed on the unexpected object. Pepper spray made sense, but a half

carry this

the brick, his eyes narrowing as he noticed

his grasp and attempting to tuck it

hand, stopping her.

it with you.”

lifted 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.

reluctance crossed her face before she let out

tucked the rest of her belongings into her bag

“Appreciate it, officer.”

“No problem.”

and strode out

brisk, her

voice rang out as he hurried after her, struggling to

home!”

“Don’t touch me!”

with alarm as she shot him

“Stay back!”

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15 His Lips Met

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