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

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

Hadley’s

satisfied, he said, “Okay, we can

murmured in agreement, her voice low and weary.

in

way.

Marshall stood rooted in place, his eyes wide with

muttered to himself, utterly astonished.

seen Eric display such enduring

a room just across from

gently, he escorted her

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

body relaxed deeply into the cushions, and her eyelids drooped, struggling

expression darkened. “Don’t sleep on the

she protested. “I’ll stay on

becoming stern. “Do you really

she do

confirmed, nodding earnestly.

it, but I know how much you dislike having

Eric’s voice softened.

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

her awake.

off with a hand wave. “I just need some sleep.”

she irritated with

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

you really going to

“A shower?”

19:19

35 A Mistake

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

and

she asked, almost nose

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

Hadley pulled at her shirt’s

sigh. “Alright, alright. You smell

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

towards Eric, her voice

from Eric’s earlier attempt to guide her still dangled

a loss for words, managing only a stuttered, “Goodtiga”

knew it, Hadley had drifted into a deep

face and couldn’t help

moved

her skin, he stopped himself, a sudden reminder flashing in his mind: Hadley

withdrew his

he genuinely feel compelled to touch Hadley? Could

senses?

Eric left the room as confusion

urged himself

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

morning light began to filter