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

Chapter 41 Like His Own

Sister

“What?” Both Eric and Hadley stopped in their tracks, uncertain.

What was Nyla implying?

“Why that look?” Nyla’s chuckle broke the tension as she addressed Eric.

Turning her attention to Hadley, she patted her hand reassuringly. “Don’t worry, dear. I’m just ensuri well–being.”

She then faced Eric again.

“You should know what I’m getting at, if you have any heart. Hadley has no one else. I’ve failed her before, so it’s my duty to see her settled before I can rest easy.”

“Nyla…” Hadley interjected with a shake of her head. “I can look after myself.”

But Nyla dismissed her concerns and continued to fix Eric with a stern look.

“I expect you to look after Hadley as if she were your own sister. I want her to be happy and well–cared for until she marries someone decent. Her well–being will reflect on you. Do you grasp my meaning?”

“I understand.” Eric acknowledged with a nod.

The message was unmistakable. Hadley, though not his wife anymore, was still his family.

“Do you get it?” Nyla asked, her tone sharpening as she scrutinized him.

Eric quickly reassured her. “I’ve got it. Don’t worry.”

“Good,” Nyla responded, though her gaze lingered on Eric, sensing something amiss. “What’s that look for? You

think I’m asking too much?”

“Not at all,” Eric responded hastily, shaking his head. A peculiar sensation washed over him, a mix of relief and

confusion.

“Don’t worry, Grandma. I’ve given my word, and I’ll look after her well… Consider Hadley as my sister now.”

At the mention of “sister,” Hadley subtly lowered her gaze, concealing a slight, scornful smile.

“Then it’s decided,” Nyla replied.

She dismissed him with a wave. “Off you go. Hadley will stay with me.”

“Okay, take good care, Grandma.”

With that, Eric departed, gently shutting the door behind him. As he left, he caught sight of Hadley offering

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a slice

this a try–it’s really sweet.”

lit up. “Indeed, it’s as

mulled over Hadley’s actions. Was she crafting a plot to wrest back some control?

Nyla of her disinterest in him.

assertions appeared

she really mean it?

few days later.

nearing midnight when Hadley exited Galant. The sequence of the dance–off competition was

much later. This night wasn’t the latest she had been held up; there had been sessions that extended until one or two in the morning.

her way to the bus stop, hoping to catch the last one

as she waited, no buses appeared. It seemed she was too late.

town had many rental bikes available.

towards the nearest intersection, finding all the bikes stationed across

green light, she noticed someone familiar at the same

and heading back to Silver

alcohol; though not enough

He reclined in his seat, trying to take a

“Huh?”

Sebastian gestured towards the window. “Mr. Flynn, isn’t that Hadley over

What?

Sebastian, impressed. “Your eyesight is truly remarkable, Sebastian.

out a

because she’s so distinctive? She always catches my eye first in any

think

have answers to

an eyebrow.

pulled out her phone, scanned the QR code on a nearby bike, and started

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Like His Own Sister

“What could she possibly

past interactions, Sebastian held back from suggesting

commanded, “Sebastian, follow her.” Startled,

“Understood.”

on the gas and maintained a discreet distance

we

that,” Eric replied, dismissing the idea with a wave of his hand. “Keep the pace

don’t lose

didn’t press further. “Alright, understood.”

expert driver himself, Sebastian found

distance, tracking Hadley to Mayfield

though older, housed several respectable

off, heading in a new direction.

er up.

neighborhood’s decline was stark.

could she possibly be doing in such a place? Does she live here, or

would she visit at such a late hour?

idea of Hadley residing here