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 your room.”

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

one end of the tie around Hadley’s wrist and

satisfied, he said, “Okay, we can go now.”

go,” Hadley murmured in agreement,

to stay in sync with hers, casting frequent concerned

way.

stood rooted in place, his eyes

a dream?” Marshall muttered to himself,

seen Eric display such

for Phillips to secure a room just

escorted her into the room.

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

deeply into the cushions, and

“Don’t sleep on

“I’ll stay on

“Do you really think I’m that fussy?”

do to his

Hadley confirmed,

it, but I know how much

Eric’s voice softened.

Hadley nestled deeper into the sofa, her eyelids

her awake. “Stay up.

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

she irritated with him?

“What’s the use

to

“A shower?”

19:19

A Mistake

to conned. Abnoyty, the

and

almost nose to nose with

pulse quickened. What was she doing so close? He recolled quickly, his face harboring, “Tene, up

pulled at her shirt’s collar. “Go on, smell.

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

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

towards Eric, her voice

to guide

at a loss for words, managing only a

Hadley had drifted into a deep sleep on

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

instinctively, his hand moved towards

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

quickly withdrew his

was going through his mind? Did he genuinely feel compelled

senses?

the room as confusion

urged himself to

her. What’s different now? It must

morning light began to filter through the