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

get you to

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

of the tie around Hadley’s wrist and pulled gently

“Okay, we can go

go,” Hadley murmured in agreement, her voice low and

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

way.

Marshall stood rooted in place, his

muttered to himself, utterly

he seen Eric display such enduring patience.

Phillips to secure a room just across from

gently, he escorted her

as Eric released the tie from her wrist, Hadley’s balance faltered, and she sank heavily onto the

into the cushions, and her

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

no!” Hadley’s eyes flew open as she protested. “I’ll stay on the couch. I don’t want

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

do to his

confirmed,

not see it, but I know how much

voice

sofa, her eyelids drooping again. “Here

Eric persisted, trying to keep her awake. “Stay

noisy!” Hadley complained, brushing him off with a hand wave. “I just need

she irritated with him?

shook his head, a half–smile creeping onto his face. “What’s the use

you really going to sleep

“A shower?”

19:19

A

slow to conned. Abnoyty, the laced

her and

asked, almost nose to

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

at her shirt’s collar. “Go

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

“See? I’m as fresh as a daisy, no

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

Eric’s earlier attempt to guide her still dangled from

managing only a stuttered, “Goodtiga” as he watched

drifted into

couldn’t help but let a small smile form on

his hand moved towards

stopped himself, a sudden reminder flashing in his mind: Hadley detested

withdrew

mind? Did he genuinely feel compelled to

senses?

Eric left the room as confusion

himself to relax.

to touch her. What’s different now? It must be an peculiarity.” Eric pondered.

light began to filter through