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

you to your room.”

am tired,” Hadley replied with a weary nod. She extended her right hand with

Hadley’s wrist and pulled gently to check its firmness.

said, “Okay, we

Hadley murmured in agreement, her voice low and weary.

proceeded with Eric adjusting his steps to stay in sync with hers, casting frequent concerned looks

way.

place, his eyes wide

muttered to himself, utterly astonished.

Eric display such

a room just across from

escorted her into

tie from her wrist, Hadley’s balance faltered, and she sank heavily onto

and her eyelids drooped, struggling

expression darkened. “Don’t sleep on the

open as she protested. “I’ll stay on the couch. I

“Do you really think I’m that fussy?”

harm could she do to his

Hadley confirmed, nodding earnestly.

but I know how much

voice

lightly, Hadley nestled deeper into the sofa, her eyelids drooping again. “Here is fine for me,” she

Eric persisted, trying to keep her awake. “Stay

Hadley complained, brushing him off with a

irritated with him?

creeping onto his face. “What’s the

you really going to

“A shower?”

19:19

35 A

mind was foggy, her thoughts slow to conned. Abnoyty,

her and Eric.

I smell bad?” she asked, almost nose to nose with Eric

she doing so close? He recolled quickly, his face harboring, “Tene,

her shirt’s collar. “Go on, smell. I’m not

conceded with a resigned sigh. “Alright, alright. You smell fine.

evidently lifted. “See? I’m as fresh as a daisy, no shower rested

Eric, her voice

tie from Eric’s earlier attempt to guide her still dangled from

found himself at a loss for words, managing only a stuttered, “Goodtiga”

drifted into a

peaceful, slightly smiling face and couldn’t help but let a small

hand moved towards her

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

withdrew his hand.

genuinely feel compelled to touch Hadley?

senses?

Eric left the room as confusion

himself to

felt inclined to touch her. What’s different now?

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