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

with Marshall’s assumption, Eric

“Man, relax. She’s not chasing you anymore. Did you notice how effortlessly cool she was just now? People move on. Her crush on you

He chuckled heartily.

have found someone new

responded, his expression unreadable, his voice devoid of enthusiasm.

look flashed briefly in Eric’s eyes, revealing a

from Marshall, Eric approached a nearby trash can and tossed it in without

day I get tangled with her again is the day I admit I’m a

that evening, Hadley was at Galant.

Championship was in full swing, attracting huge crowds, much to Lennon’s

until her phone

from

Mr. Webster.”

the assistant director who

Elvin’s call for several days,

time? It’s shaping up. We’re preparing for a

prospect excited Hadley

“I’m a bit

several part–time dance doubles shortlisted.” Elvin tried to reassure her. “Once we finalize the schedule,

flexibility was exactly

are crucial, and since

“That sounds reasonable.”

might you be free to

the schedule and then inquired,

since it didn’t conflict with her shifts at

“Where will we meet?”

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19:20

at Central Cinema, located in Metropolitan Plaza. And remember, punctuality is

expressed her gratitude, ending the call with a burst

excitement.

even a movie. She speculated about the potential earnings, recalling the four hundred dollars she made in just a few minutes

following day, Eric arrived at Metropolitan Plaza a little after two

garage and took the elevator to the Central Cinema, where Linda’s movie premiere

a leading actress with East Entertainment Media–a company initiated

that Eric managed East Entertainment Media, he made 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

throughout the film

7

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

take a look at this script, would you? It might be something Miss Harris would be

“I suggest you discuss it directly with Linda. Script selection isn’t

a nearby conversation, industry veterans commented quietly

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

is just over there. He might hear us,” another cautioned

her main supporter. It’s no secret. Makes you wonder if he’ll

win her over.”

approached, beaming, with director