Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You Can't Afford Me by Thedora Birnir

Chapter 20

Chapter 20 Walked To The

Courthouse

The call went unanswered, leaving Hadley hanging.

Worry etched her face as she speculated that Eric was likely caught up in a work–related lunch or meeting.

What were her options?

All she could do was wait.

As the minutes ticked away, it was suddenly two–thirty. Only thirty minutes remained until her appointment

with Eric.

Her phone buzzed abruptly–it was Eric.

“Hello?” she answered quickly, her voice edged with stress.

“You were trying to get in touch?” Eric’s voice carried a lightness, perhaps from the anticipation of finally resolving their ties. Apologizing for his earlier unavailability, he said, “Got tied up, sorry.”

Then he quickly changed the subject. “Are you at the courthouse already? Just wait there, I’m on my way.”

Interrupting him, a rush of guilt in her tone, Hadley exclaimed, “Eric!”

Hadley stammered, “I’m really sorry, but I can’t make it today… Can we reschedule for tomorrow? Just one day delay. I promise I’ll be there, on time!”

Eric was silent initially.

Then, with a cutting laugh, he let his irritation show. “You’re still playing games, Hadley? How long do you intend to keep this up?”

“It’s not like that…”

His tone became biting, dismissing her explanation. “From day one, my feelings about you haven’t changed, Hadley. Wake up.

“I truly can’t make it,” Hadley insisted, feeling the futility of the conversation. “Something’s come up. I’m stuck, really stuck, not far from Kingsbridge. It’s a mess here, and it’s not just me caught in it.”

What was she doing in Kingsbridge anyways? It sounded like just another excuse.

“Really? That’s just perfect,” Eric scoffed, disbelieving every word from Hadley.

He was unmoved by her predicament. “I’m not interested in where you’re stuck. You’d better be on your way. even if it means crawling here. We’re finalizing this divorce today, no more delays!”

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19:13

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Chapter 20 Walked To The Courthouse

With those harsh words, Eric ended the call.

voice echoed faintly against the disconnect

stood, phone in hand, grappling with

was unmistakable–she had to make it, no

no movement in sight, Hadley realized her only option was to

let out a rueful laugh. Surely, walking

Hadley grabbed her bag and stepped off the bus into the cold

shield her face, but it

relentless rain showed no signs of stopping, and

the hood of her sweatshirt over her head,

did little

the hood

pain throbbed in her lower

hand over it, pushing through

a thirty–minute slog, Hadley reached the area of the collapsed overpass,

firefighters

right there!” a traffic officer

road is closed

smile and responded, “I understand, but it’s urgent. I promise to

over. “You’re soaked through. Where did

“From Kingsbridge.”

eyebrows climbed his forehead in

“It’s urgent, officer. My child’s at home alone, and

“What about the father?”

her eyelashes fluttered as she responded, “It’s just me. I’m doing

hesitated, and then sighed

he replied, gesturing

you so

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19:13

20 Walked To

to allow her passage before swiftly closing

her phone for directions. It would be a long walk to the courthouse,

half hours away.

continued her walk, eyes scanning for a taxi ahead. The prospect of paying

was set on ending

his watch repeatedly. The time had already advanced to

was still

him wait

frustration, Eric spun his phone in his palm before decisively pressing the screen

“Hello.”

Eric’s voice crackled with exasperation.

“I’ll be there soon. Just a

a derisive

sort of

Hadley’s call broke the

she said, “I’m here! Where are

you actually here?” Eric questioned, scanning the

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