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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19.19

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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.”

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

fastened one end of the tie around Hadley’s

said, “Okay, we

murmured in agreement, her voice low

stay in sync with hers, casting frequent concerned looks

way.

in place, his eyes

Marshall muttered to himself, utterly

he seen Eric

had arranged for Phillips to secure a

Hadley gently, he escorted her into the room.

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

and her eyelids drooped, struggling

“Don’t sleep on the couch. Use

Hadley’s eyes flew open as she protested. “I’ll stay on the couch. I don’t want to disturb your bed.”

frown deepened, his tone becoming stern. “Do you really think I’m

could she do to

confirmed,

it, but I know how much you dislike having me

voice softened.

nestled deeper into the sofa, her eyelids drooping again. “Here is

Eric persisted, trying to keep her awake. “Stay

complained, brushing him off with a hand wave. “I just need

she irritated with

onto his face. “What’s the use of arguing with a drunk?” He

you really going to sleep without

“A shower?”

19:19

35 A

conned. Abnoyty, the laced forwed,

her and Eric.

I smell bad?” she asked, almost nose to

What was she doing so close? He recolled quickly,

pulled at her shirt’s collar. “Go

resigned sigh. “Alright, alright. You smell fine. Actually,

her mood evidently lifted. “See? I’m as fresh as

Eric, her voice slurring slightly. “Night–nigh,

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

a loss for words, managing only a

knew it, Hadley had drifted into a

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

his hand moved towards her

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

withdrew his hand.

genuinely feel compelled to touch Hadley? Could he

senses?

the room

urged himself

inclined to touch her. What’s different now? It must be an

light began to filter through the curtains,