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

Chapter 50 Hadley, Don’t

You Dare!

“Yes,”

Mathias didn’t dance around the truth. Over the years, he had witnessed Hadley’s struggles unfold right before

his eyes.

“Joy’s name finally made it onto the list!”

Hadley froze. For a moment, it was as if the world had stopped spinning, Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears, their weight pressing against her resolve.

She clenched her fists, willing herself not to break. “Th–thank you, Dr. Williams.”

Emotion swelled in her chest, so vast that words felt like a foreign concept.

“Why are you thanking me?” Mathias chuckled.

“I hardly lifted a finger. You are the one who’s been running yourself ragged. Now, once the surgery is done, Joy will finally be free from this agony.”

“Yes… that is right.”

“Speaking of which,” Mathias added, his voice steady, “you’ll need to gather the surgery fees fast.”

Hadley’s heart lurched.

The corners of her mouth, which had barely begun to lift, flattened again. Of course–the cost. That enormous, suffocating weight still loomed over her.

“Roughly… how much?” she asked, her voice uneven.

“About five hundred thousand dollars,” Mathias answered without hesitation.

Five hundred thousand dollars!

She had braced herself for a hefty sum, had scrimped and saved every penny, but hearing the actual number still sent a chill down her spine.

Balancing meals on the table for herself and Joy had always been an uphill battle–one that felt endless. The monthly medical bills piled up like clockwork, as relentless as the tide.

Even with all her sacrifices, her savings were nothing more than a drop in the ocean.

Mathias knew bits and pieces of her financial struggles. “You better move quickly. The surgery could happen as soon as two months or stretch out to six. There’s no telling.”

19-29

As a doctor, his hands were tied beyond that.

“I understand,” Hadley murmured.

When the call ended, she found herself teetering on the edge of hope and despair.

Joy finally had a chance! A real chance at healing! But the money… Two months, six tops.

earth was she supposed to find that kind of cash?

time to visit Nyla at the sanatorium.

Nyla was growing stronger.

you came.” There was warmth in Nyla’s voice, and a

“Nyla.”

stepped inside, she noticed another

had been their first encounter since

“Come, sit.”

gentle smile gracing her lips. “I am feeling much better. Before you

“I am fine…”

been back in Srixby

who had been silent, flicked his

Twelfth Alley. No matter how many times he thought about it, he couldn’t make sense of it. Why did she insist

dry chuckle slipped

bitterly. She had no one to blame

you laughing

sharp ears caught him

his throat awkwardly. “It’s nothing.”

him. “Before you leave,

had showered her with

them. She had already shared plenty with the doctors and nurses, but there was still an overwhelming amount left.

her head. “Nyla, I do

you.

chose things that will do you good–food, daily necessities. Do not let them go

Hadley still lived

properties than he needed, so if anyone had to move after the separation,

have been

Nyla off. With a reluctant nod,

them, then.”

you acting like we are

I just said? Why are

you lost your

her words, his voice laced with a reluctance

need to fret, Grandma. I will make sure both

Is that enough?”

Eric sneered. Did Hadley really care about any

Eric rose to

the trunk of Eric’s car, each

silence, they drove to West Twelfth Alley, Eric at the wheel and Hadley nestled in the

the car rolled to

Eric silently unloaded the items from the trunk, setting them down

stray lock of hair behind her ear.

mood darkened further.

carrying

long stretch and up the stairs? It was impossible to do

really think he was

bent down to