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

<

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.

0.0%

19.19

<

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

replied with a weary nod. She extended

tie around Hadley’s wrist and pulled gently to check

said, “Okay, we can

agreement, her voice low and weary.

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

way.

rooted in place, his eyes wide with disbelief.

muttered to himself, utterly astonished.

he seen Eric display such enduring

arranged for Phillips to secure a room just

gently, he escorted her into the

the tie from her wrist, Hadley’s

the cushions, and her eyelids drooped, struggling to remain

on the couch. Use the

flew open as she protested. “I’ll stay on

tone becoming stern. “Do you really think I’m

she do

confirmed,

know how

Eric’s voice softened.

into the sofa, her eyelids drooping again. “Here is fine for

trying to keep her awake. “Stay up. Let’s talk.”

Hadley complained, brushing him off with a hand

she irritated with

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

going to

“A shower?”

19:19

35 A Mistake

foggy, her thoughts slow to conned.

and

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

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

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

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

“See? I’m as fresh as a daisy, no shower

voice slurring slightly.

Eric’s earlier attempt to guide her

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

into a deep

couldn’t help but let a

his hand moved towards her cheek

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

quickly withdrew his

genuinely feel compelled

senses?

room as confusion overwhelmed

himself

her. What’s different now? It

morning light began to filter through the curtains,