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

a weary nod. She extended her right hand

one end of the tie around Hadley’s wrist and pulled

he said, “Okay,

go,” Hadley murmured in agreement, her voice

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

way.

Marshall stood rooted in place,

dream?” Marshall muttered to

seen Eric display such

a room just across from his own.

escorted

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

cushions, and her eyelids drooped, struggling to remain

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

“I’ll stay on the

tone becoming stern. “Do you

harm could she do

Hadley confirmed,

see it, but I know how much

voice

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

persisted, trying to keep her awake.

Hadley complained, brushing him off with a hand wave.

she irritated with him?

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

you really going to sleep

“A shower?”

19:19

35 A Mistake

foggy, her thoughts slow to conned.

her and Eric.

almost nose to nose with Eric

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

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

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

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

towards Eric, her voice

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

managing only a stuttered, “Goodtiga”

knew it, Hadley had drifted into a deep

face and couldn’t help but

moved towards

stopped himself, a sudden

quickly withdrew his

his mind? Did he genuinely feel compelled to touch Hadley?

senses?

room

urged himself

never felt inclined to touch her. What’s different now? It must be an peculiarity.”

to filter through the curtains,