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

Chapter 73 A Part Of His

Heart Had Melted

“What are you implying?”

Shock registered on Hadley’s face at Nyla’s words. Could she be meaning what she suspected? “No… Surely, that’s not possible, is it?” Hadley pondered.

“Nyla.”

With a nervous gulp, Hadley inquired with hesitation, “What are you trying to say?”

Nyla patted Hadley’s hand, offering a warm smile. “What do you think, my dear? I mean to ask if you like Denver.”

Noticing Hadley’s continued confusion, Nyla explained, “Like the way you once felt for Eric”

“Wait,” Hadley interjected, her confusion deepening. “What’s this coming from now?”

Could it have been prompted by Denver offering her a ride home?

Attempting to clarify with a smile and a dismissive shake of her head, Hadley reassured. “There’s absolutely nothing between us, Nyla. We merely ran into each other, and he gave me a lift.”

“Really, that’s it? At your birthday celebration the other day however, I noticed you and him interacting quite comfortably.”

An awkward chuckle escaped Hadley. “You might be reading too much into it. There’s genuinely nothing going

on.”

Perceiving Hadley’s modesty, Nyla let out a soft smile. “He seems like a good person, and possibly interested in you. Tell me honestly, do you find him appealing at all?”

“What?”

Laughter eluded Hadley now.

Nyla looked serious, her demeanor suggesting deep contemplation.

Confusion marred Hadley’s expression as she replied, “I don’t quite understand what you’re getting at.”

Exhaling deeply, Nyla used a napkin to dab at her lips.

Her gaze lingered on Hadley, filled with tender concern.

“Hadley, my only concern is for your happiness. I believe Denver could be a suitable partner. He comes from a decent background, but what truly matters is whether you feel any affection for him…”

Chapter 73 A Part Of His Heart Had Melted

“Nyla!”

Hadley’s reaction was one of shock, her complexion draining of color.

She vigorously shook her head. “Please, don’t make light of this. How could such a thing ever happen?”

Hadley and Denver together? She couldn’t conceive of it–it wouldn’t be fair to him, a man with such promise!

this up?” Nyla’s expression turned grave. “I take your future very seriously. Believe me,

“Nyla…”

idea seemed

feel you’re not worthy of him, isn’t that so, Hadley?” “That really was the truth!” Hadley

Nyla appeared unfazed.

matter. Remember, you are a Flynn.

trembled. “We’ve failed you in some ways. I yearn to see you married well, so I

“Nyla…”

“I don’t

you think you

“Eric told me about your last attempt to manage on your own, and it didn’t end well. I blame myself for not intervening. This time, I’m going to make sure we find the right

rooted to the

a

her think so. Hadley, however, was convinced they

Nyla said, getting up from her chair. “The night has grown late. I’m off

me to assist you upstairs.”

and

moment, Eric entered, a tray with

just to

arm and shot Eric a sharp look. “Hadley, I’ll manage on my own. You should

“Okay, then.”

“Good girl.”

Nyla turned and ascended the stairs.

the tray on the table, avoiding eye contact with Hadley.

“Sure.”

Hadley was consumed by thoughts of their kiss from the previous evening, replaying it repeatedly

soup bowl and took a hearty gulp to divert her

Suddenly, Hadley gasped.

“What’s wrong?”

rising and rushing

and tears in her eyes, Hadley’s face turned a shade

the soup burn

in his

Hadley had already ingested it.

searing liquid scorched her throat and chest,

thinking?” Eric’s features grew stern. “Why would you

known it would be

an expensive herbal remedy. Accustomed to cut costs after years of hardship, Hadley always

and her vulnerable stance, feeling

it very

in her eyes, nodded in confirmation. Clearly, the soup had been left on a simmer

“Follow me!”

Hadley’s hand, guiding her towards the

open the refrigerator door and motioned

kept her hand clamped over her mouth.

was the reason for