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

get you to

nod. She extended her right hand with some

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

“Okay, we can go

Hadley murmured in agreement, her voice low and weary.

to stay in sync

way.

rooted in place, his eyes wide with disbelief.

muttered to himself, utterly astonished.

he seen Eric display

to secure a room just across

gently, he escorted

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

the cushions, and her eyelids drooped, struggling to remain open.

darkened. “Don’t sleep on the

stay on the couch. I don’t

stern. “Do you really

she do to his bed?

Hadley confirmed, nodding

see it, but I know how much you dislike

Eric’s voice

eyelids drooping again. “Here is fine for me,” she

trying to keep her awake. “Stay

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

irritated

head, a half–smile creeping onto his face. “What’s the use of arguing with a drunk?” He

really going to sleep without

“A shower?”

19:19

35 A

her thoughts slow to conned. Abnoyty, the laced forwed, dosing the distance

her and Eric.

she asked, almost nose to nose with

close? He recolled quickly,

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

sigh. “Alright, alright. You smell fine. Actually, you

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

voice

guide

found himself at a loss for words, managing only a stuttered, “Goodtiga” as he

she knew it, Hadley had drifted into a deep sleep on the sofa.

face and couldn’t help

his hand moved

fingertips were about to brush her skin, he stopped himself, a sudden reminder flashing in

quickly withdrew his

feel compelled

senses?

room as confusion

urged himself to

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

morning light began to filter through the