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

you

with a weary nod. She extended her right hand

fastened one end of the tie around Hadley’s wrist and pulled gently to check its

he said, “Okay,

agreement, her

adjusting his steps to stay in sync with hers,

way.

place, his eyes wide with disbelief.

a dream?” Marshall muttered to himself, utterly astonished.

seen Eric display such

had arranged for Phillips to secure a room

escorted her into

wrist, Hadley’s balance faltered, and she sank heavily onto the

body relaxed deeply into the cushions, and her eyelids

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

protested. “I’ll stay

his tone becoming stern. “Do you really

harm could she do to

confirmed,

not see it, but I know how much you dislike having me around.”

Eric’s voice

her eyelids drooping again. “Here is fine for

to keep her

complained, brushing him off with a hand wave. “I just need some sleep.”

she irritated with him?

creeping onto his face. “What’s

going to

“A shower?”

19:19

A Mistake

was foggy, her thoughts slow to conned. Abnoyty, the laced

and

she asked, almost nose

He recolled quickly, his face harboring, “Tene, up

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

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

“See? I’m

voice slurring slightly. “Night–nigh,

earlier attempt to guide her still dangled

himself at a loss for words, managing only a

it, Hadley had drifted into

her peaceful, slightly smiling face and couldn’t help but let a small smile form

moved towards her

just as his fingertips were about to brush her skin, he stopped himself, a sudden

withdrew his hand.

feel compelled to touch Hadley? Could he have lost

senses?

Eric left the room as confusion overwhelmed

himself to relax.

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

light began to filter through the curtains, Hadley awoke.