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

you to your

tired,” Hadley replied with a weary nod.

around Hadley’s wrist and

“Okay, we can go now.”

in agreement, her voice low

steps to stay in sync with hers,

way.

place, his eyes wide with disbelief.

muttered to

had he seen Eric display such enduring patience.

for Phillips to secure a

he escorted her into

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

and her eyelids drooped,

sleep on the couch. Use the bed.”

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

becoming stern. “Do you really think I’m that fussy?”

she do to

confirmed, nodding earnestly.

it, but I know how much you dislike having me

Eric’s voice

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

trying to keep her awake.

complained, brushing him off with a

she irritated with him?

onto his face. “What’s the use of arguing with a

going to sleep without even showering?”

“A shower?”

19:19

35 A Mistake

slow to conned. Abnoyty, the laced

her and Eric.

I smell bad?” she asked, almost nose to

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

Eric’s discomfort, Hadley pulled at her shirt’s collar. “Go

“Alright, alright. You smell fine.

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

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

earlier attempt to guide her still dangled from her

for words, managing only a

she knew it, Hadley had drifted into a deep sleep

at her peaceful, slightly smiling face and couldn’t help but let

instinctively, his hand moved towards her cheek

brush her skin, he stopped himself, a sudden reminder flashing in his

quickly withdrew his

he genuinely feel compelled to touch Hadley? Could he have

senses?

room as confusion

urged himself to relax.

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

light began to filter through the curtains, Hadley