Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You Can't Afford Me by Thedora Birnir

Chapter 36 Linda Is So Lucky

“Marshall,” Eric interjected, his voice smooth and nonchalant, a mischievous glint in his eye. “She’s expressing

genuine gratitude. Why not just accept it gracefully?”

Marshall paused, slightly bewildered by Eric’s response.

What was his friend playing at?

Could it be that Eric was trying to avoid any deeper involvement with Hadley? Maybe he feared she might cling

to him again if the truth came out.

“Sure thing.” Marshall eventually gave in, deciding to support Eric’s strange charade.

“No big deal,” Marshall said smoothly, picking up where Hadley left off. “I appreciate the gesture, Hadley.”

“Actually,” Hadley added, suddenly recalling another detail.

She extended her hand, presenting a neatly folded tie. “I also wanted to return this to you.”

Marshall looked at the tie, his smile widening as he accepted it.

“I took care to wash it, used the hotel’s hairdryer to dry it, and even ironed it out. It should be just like new,”

Hadley explained, ensuring everything was returned in perfect condition.

“Cool.” Marshall acknowledged with a nod. “You always handle things well, Hadley.”

“It’s no big deal,” Hadley responded casually, adding a shrug. “Looks like you’ve got a lot on your plate. I won’t

keep you.”

Marshall glanced at Eric briefly before asking Hadley, “Do you need me to arrange a ride for you?”

Eric remained impassive.

“No need!” Hadley quickly dismissed the offer. “I’ll catch the bus. Thanks anyway! See you around!”

With a quick turn, she started walking away.

“Stay safe on your way!” Marshall called after her.

“Will do!”

After she had left, Marshall faced Eric. “Why the insistence on keeping her at arm’s length? Afraid she’ll get too attached again?”

Eric, caught off guard by the comment, blinked. He wasn’t really worried about that; he was more annoyed that Hadley seemed to be feigning ignorance.

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19:20

along with Marshall’s assumption, Eric responded,

you is old news. We haven’t been a part of her life for years. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Even the deepest

He chuckled heartily.

someone new in Blathe, someone exotic!”

his expression unreadable, his voice devoid of enthusiasm. “That would

in Eric’s eyes, revealing a

approached a nearby trash can and tossed

is the day I admit I’m a fool,” Eric muttered darkly to

that evening, Hadley

Dance–Off Championship was in full swing, attracting huge crowds, much to Lennon’s delig

until her phone rang. It was a call

heard from

Mr. Webster.”

Webster, that was his full name, the assistant director who had exchanged WhatsApp contacts with

had been eagerly anticipating Elvin’s call for several days, and it had

I mentioned last time? It’s shaping up. We’re preparing for

excited

“I’m a bit

reassure her. “Once we finalize the schedule, we’ll

flexibility was exactly what Hadley

sequences are crucial, and since you’re new, he’s keen to meet you in

“That sounds reasonable.”

you be free to meet?”

schedule and then inquired, “Is

since it didn’t conflict

will we

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19:20

Cinema, located in Metropolitan

Thank you.” Hadley expressed her gratitude,

excitement.

possibly even a movie. She speculated about the potential

day, Eric arrived at Metropolitan Plaza a little

his side, he exited the parking garage and took the elevator to the Central Cinema,

actress with East Entertainment Media–a company initiated by Ernest–was starring in

it a point to support the company’s top actress. He chose to arrive early for the three o’clock premiere to ensure he was fully present for Linda

at the premiere sent a powerful message throughout the

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clustered around Eric, each eager to get his attention and possibly secure a partnership with his influential

script, would you? It might be something Miss Harris would be interested in,” one hopeful producer suggested.

suggest you discuss it directly with Linda. Script

a nearby conversation, industry veterans

out of the picture, Linda still seems to have everything under control,

Eric is just over there. He might

her main supporter. It’s

win her over.”

the murmurs, Linda approached, beaming, with director Adonis Faulkner at her side.