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

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Too Late, Mr. Billionaire You Can’t Afford Me Now

Chapter 35 A Mistake

Did Hadley smile at Marshall like this when they were in Nyla’s ward the other day?

At the time, Eric only saw a quick side view of Hadley, but now he realized this was what Marshall must have witnessed in full.

His gaze sharpened as he studied Hadley’s seemingly unfocused look. “Do you even recognize me?*

Could she have confused him with Marshall?

After all, it was Marshall who had accompanied Hadley back to the hotel today.

Eric’s expression grew even sterner.

“You?”

Yet, as she looked into Eric’s intense, contemplative eyes, Hadley chuckled lightly. “I know you. You’re Eric. My dearest Eric.”

A knot formed in Eric’s throat as he observed her rosy cheeks.

Hadley must be intoxicated.

That was the only explanation why she even referred to him in such an endearing way, reminiscent of when she had first become part of the Flynn household.

Even while drunk, Hadley’s recognition of Eric was clear.

Feeling a strange surge of warmth, Eric extended his hand to her, his voice deep and resonant. “Why did you have to drink so much? Let’s get you up.”

“No!” Hadley exclaimed as Eric reached out. She backed away, her expression wary.

“Don’t touch me!” she insisted, shaking her head emphatically.

“Hey,” Marshall intervened, laughing lightly. “Looks like Hadley’s still sharp, even a bit tipsy. She’s keeping her boundaries clear.”

“Shut up,” Eric retorted, glaring at Marshall. “This isn’t your moment. Why did you even let her drink?” “Me?” Marshall raised his hands defensively. “Okay, okay, it was my fault. Now what?”

Eric was at a loss for a moment. It was good that Hadley was cautious, yet her heightened defensiveness was a challenge.

After a brief pause, Eric removed his tie, coiling one end around his hand thoughtfully. He extended the other end towards Hadley. “Grab this.”

“What are you doing?” Hadley was suspicious, hugging her arms tightly across her chest.

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Chapter 35 A Mistake

Eric let out a frustrated sigh. “Look, I promise not to touch you. I’ll use this tie to lead you. Aren’t you

Let’s get you to

a weary nod. She extended her right

tie around Hadley’s wrist

“Okay, we can go now.”

go,” Hadley murmured in agreement, her voice low

steps to stay in sync with hers, casting frequent concerned

way.

stood rooted in place, his eyes

dream?” Marshall muttered to himself, utterly astonished.

Eric display such enduring patience.

a room just across from

Hadley gently, he escorted her into

Hadley’s balance faltered, and she

body relaxed deeply into the cushions, and her eyelids drooped, struggling

expression darkened. “Don’t sleep on the couch. Use the bed.”

flew open as she protested. “I’ll stay on the couch. I don’t want to disturb

stern. “Do you really

harm could she do to his bed?

Hadley confirmed,

see it, but I know how much you

Eric’s voice softened.

eyelids

persisted, trying to keep her awake. “Stay up.

a hand wave. “I just

irritated

a half–smile creeping onto his face. “What’s the use of arguing with a drunk?”

you really going to sleep

“A shower?”

19:19

35 A Mistake

conned. Abnoyty, the laced

her and

she asked, almost nose to nose with

doing so close? He recolled quickly, his face harboring, “Tene, up you distance and

at her shirt’s collar. “Go on, smell. I’m

alright. You

I’m as fresh as a

her voice slurring

attempt to guide

words, managing only a stuttered,

she knew it, Hadley had drifted into a deep sleep on

slightly smiling face and couldn’t help but let a small smile form

instinctively, his hand moved towards

his fingertips were about to brush her skin, he stopped himself, a sudden reminder flashing

quickly withdrew

his mind? Did he genuinely feel compelled to touch

senses?

left the room

urged himself to

I never felt inclined to touch her. What’s different now? It

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