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

Let’s get you to your room.”

I am tired,” Hadley replied with a weary nod. She extended

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

said, “Okay, we can go

Hadley murmured in agreement, her

to stay in sync with hers,

way.

Marshall stood rooted in place, his eyes wide with

dream?” Marshall muttered to himself, utterly

Eric display such enduring

had arranged for Phillips to secure a

escorted her into the room.

Eric released the tie from her wrist, Hadley’s balance faltered, and

relaxed deeply into the cushions, and her eyelids drooped, struggling to remain

on the couch.

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

his tone becoming stern. “Do you really

do

confirmed, nodding

know how much you

voice

sofa, her eyelids

trying to keep her awake. “Stay

off with a hand wave. “I

irritated

“What’s the use of arguing with a drunk?” He pondered.

to sleep without even showering?”

“A shower?”

19:19

A

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

and

she asked, almost nose to nose

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

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

sigh. “Alright, alright. You smell fine.

laughter rang out, her mood evidently lifted. “See? I’m as fresh as

her voice slurring

earlier attempt to guide

for words, managing only a stuttered,

drifted into a deep sleep on the

smiling face and couldn’t help

instinctively, his hand moved towards

brush her skin, he stopped himself, a sudden

withdrew his hand.

his mind? Did he genuinely feel compelled

senses?

Eric left the room

himself to relax.

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

to filter through the curtains,