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

Chapter 79 Hadley

Deserves Far Better

But Hadley had been his woman, his cherished one.

Never in his wildest dreams would Eric lay a hand on a woman–least of all her.

Yet the inferno raging within his chest spiraled beyond restraint. With a ragged breath, he drew his fist upward and sent it hurtling downward with raw force.

Hadley, gripped by dread, clamped her eyes shut, bracing for the inevitable sting.

A thunderous thud echoed in the air–but the anticipated pain never arrived.

Hesitantly, she peered through her lashes. Eric’s fist had collided with the back of the seat, mere inches from her. What in the world… was he doing?

“Get out.” Eric’s voice sliced through the tension, icy and unyielding. “Now!”

“Oh–alright!” Hadley stammered, her trembling fingers fumbling for the door handle. She stumbled out of the car in a frantic rush, nearly losing her footing in her haste to escape.

Eric remained seated, his gaze fixed on her fleeting silhouette as it faded into the distance. A heavy silence stretched on before he pinched the bridge of his nose, a hiss of frustration escaping through his gritted teeth.

Damn it! His leniency had let her slip away again.

Did she truly believe she could keep evading him forever?

Come Sunday morning, Eric stirred from slumber later than his custom. As he descended the grand staircase, faint murmurs of conversation drifted from the living room.

He didn’t make a beeline for the parlor directly. Instead, he pivoted toward Kira, the trusted housekeeper, curiosity tugging at his tone. “Who has paid us a visit?”

“It’s Mr. Moran,” Kira replied with a warm smile, setting down Eric’s morning repast. “Your breakfast, sir.”

“Thank you,” Eric murmured, lifting the coffee to his lips for a tentative sip before placing it back down as he rose to his feet.

What business brought Denver here so early?

“Sir, won’t you eat?” Kira called after Eric, concern threading her tone.

“In a minute,” Eric replied over his shoulder, already striding toward the living room.

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14:04

Within, Denver sat across from Nyla, his demeanor all courtesy as he offered the tokens he had brought.

my mother handpicked them just for you. She insisted they would do wonders

the ornate packages with an appreciative nod. “Your mother has impeccable taste. My gratitude to you, Denver, and do extend my thanks to her

Denver’s smile lingered as he stole a glance at his watch. “It being the

arched a

caught the true intent behind Denver’s inquiry like a hawk spotting its quarry. Her eyes twinkled with mischief. “There are others about,” she

caught off guard. “Not at all. Just making conversation.”

that so?” Nyla chuckled, her tone teasing. “Well, Eric is the only one at home. But I bet he is not

mention of only Eric, a flicker of

but in his heart of hearts, he had hoped Hadley

but surrender

her gaze piercing as she studied Denver. “Might you be seeking Hadley?”

Nyla’s bluntness

breath, and erupted into

“Good heavens, lad, I

glass of water. “Here, drink this before you

hasty gulps, Denver finally steadied his breathing. “Thank

you’ve taken a shine to our Hadley?” Denver stiffened anew, his ears blazing scarlet.

scrutiny unrelenting. “Is that a yes

Eric walked into the room.

voice a low rumble.

interruption couldn’t have been

pointed glance, her lips curling faintly. “You have a knack for showing up at just

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14:05

Deserves Far Better

ever. His eyes darted to Denver, and a sly, almost taunting smile played across his features. “Denver.

as he hastened to explain. “I’ve come bearing gifts to Mrs. Flynn. from

before fixing her gaze back on Denver, undeterred.

still haven’t answered my question. Are you sweet on our

the spotlight of her

of embarrassment had warmed his cheeks. But now, as his eyes met Eric’s, a spark of resolve ignited within him. Perhaps this was his moment–his chance to lay his cards on the table.

but for Hadley’s former spouse

breath, Denver squared his shoulders and met Nyla’s gaze with newfound conviction. “Yes. 1… I’m

this, both Nyla and Eric blinked in surprise, the

hands clapping

quiet certainty, adjusting his glasses in a gesture that underscored his polished sincerity.

firm that Hadley, even after her divorce, deserved the finest suitors

know of your feelings?”

creased faintly, a shadow of concern flickering across his face. “Though… she

soft sigh, shaking her head. “That girl… always

surge of hope coursed through Denver’s chest, lifting his spirits.

nodded approvingly, though her expression soon grew earnest, her tone carrying a weight of expectation. “But you must give me your word on one thing–you’re earnest