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

Chapter 82 No Slipping Away Again

“Eric!”

Hadley staggered as the man crashed into her, his weight throwing her off balance.

“What the hell happened to you?”

Not that she needed an answer. The sharp sting of alcohol clung to him, thick and undeniable.

“You’re wasted, aren’t you?”

“Mmm… not even close.”

Drunk people always said that. Even as he swayed, barely upright, Eric refused to admit it.

He’d drained almost an entire bottle of wine by himself. Hadley hadn’t even taken a sip. If he wasn’t drunk, then what was this about?

Hadley hitched his arm over her shoulder, bracing herself under his weight. “Can you even walk?” “Mm–hmm.” Eric bobbed his head but made no effort to move. “Just hold onto me, and I’ve got it.”

She exhaled sharply.

Letting him go wasn’t an option- he’d probably topple like a sack of bricks.

“Fine. I’ll help. But take it slow.”

“Alright.” His gaze drifted, landing on the delicate sweep of her lashes. Long and curled, they cast soft shadows over her cheeks with every slow blink.

Each flutter sent a strange sensation through him, like they weren’t just brushing against her skin–but against something deep inside him, stirring it awake.

“Eric?”

A familiar voice rang out as they stepped out of the private room. Hadley turned to find Linda standing a few steps away.

“Linda,” Eric greeted, still draped over Hadley like he had every right to be there. His arm hung loosely around her shoulders, and from an outsider’s perspective, it probably looked more like an embrace than her struggling to keep him upright.

“What’s going on with you two?”

Linda’s steps quickened as her gaze darted between them, her eyes widening.

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Chapter 82 No Slipping Away Again

Had she seen that right? Why were Eric and Hadley even together in a restaurant?

And why did they look so… close?

Hadley stiffened, hyper–aware of Linda’s gaze drilling into her.

to

furrowed, annoyance flashing across his face. “Quit

Holding onto her like this, right in front of Linda, like it meant nothing? Did he not

Won’t be my problem anyway,” Hadley thought.

he had no one to

her expression locking

Linda. His voice was smooth, effortless. “Hadley and I just grabbed dinner. What about

before gesturing toward one of the private rooms. “Our film crew

her mind was elsewhere. Since when did Hadley and Eric casually go out to

pleasant. “The director and

smile was relaxed but distant. “It’s

wavered for just a second. “Okay

his head in a slight nod. “You should

pressed her lips together, casting one

leave. Not really. Instead, she stopped just around the corner, lingering in sight,

frowned. That was it? Eric actually let Linda walk away that easily? But from the hesitation in Linda’s eyes, it was obvious–she hadn’t wanted to go.

that why he was giving her

Eric’s voice broke through her

over her, he mumbled sleepily, “Go take care of the

“Uh…

“1

focus, and nodded. “Where’s

Eric muttered, making no effort to

went completely slack, his weight pressing into her like he was seconds from passing out.

at him, dumbfounded. Was he seriously expecting her

20.8%

if that was what it took to get this over with…

slightly and slipping her hand into

her hand

in your pockets.” She lifted her gaze to him, eyes clear and searching,

tickled her ear. Eric’s voice came slow and

The inner pockets?

was he seriously expecting her to dig inside his jacket? That meant getting way too close her hands practically brushing against his

hesitated midair, irritation flickering across her face.

rather let everyone think I skipped out on the bill?”

a corner, she sighed and moved–both hands

flickered, his throat shifting as

Hadley took a different approach–she unbuttoned his jacket and flipped the front panel open. No unnecessary contact

into the inner pocket, pulling out the wallet with a small flourish.

in his eyes. Smart move–when she actually put in the

missing a beat, Hadley took out some cash from his wallet, and the bill was settled.

slid the wallet back into his pocket. “All

Eric made a quiet sound of approval and gave a

shrouded in shadow, Linda had seen it all. Her expression remained

and Hadley been this at

and