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.

pull away, to put some space between herself and Eric.

annoyance flashing across his face. “Quit squirming. You’ll make me

this, right in front of Linda, like it meant nothing? Did he not care how Linda would

be my problem

this blew up in his face later, he had no one to

turned her head, her expression locking into something unreadable.

apparently satisfied, turned his attention back to Linda. His voice was smooth, effortless. “Hadley and I just grabbed dinner. What about you?”

one of the private rooms. “Our film crew is

her mind was elsewhere. Since when did Hadley

she kept her expression pleasant. “The director and producers are here too.

smile was relaxed but distant. “It’s

Linda’s smile wavered for just a second. “Okay

head in a slight nod. “You

pressed her lips together, casting one last glance

really. Instead, she stopped just around the corner, lingering in

easily? But from the hesitation in Linda’s eyes, it was

this? Was that why he was giving her the cold shoulder?

voice

mumbled sleepily, “Go take care of the bill for us.

“Uh… okay.”

“1

into focus, and nodded. “Where’s your

pocket,” Eric muttered, making

weight pressing into her like he was seconds from passing

he seriously expecting her to

20.8%

was what it took to get this over

hesitated before turning slightly and slipping her hand into his suit pocket.

slipping her hand into the right–still

lifted her gaze

amused chuckle tickled her ear. Eric’s voice came slow and teasing. “Try the inner

The inner pockets?

them, but was he seriously expecting her to dig inside his jacket? That meant getting way too close

midair, irritation flickering across

Eric prodded, his tone lazy. “Unless you’d rather

corner, she sighed

gaze flickered, his throat shifting as he silently

later, instead of slipping her hand inside, Hadley took a different approach–she unbuttoned his jacket and flipped the front panel open. No

inner pocket, pulling out

out a low hum, amusement flickering in his

beat, Hadley took out some cash from his

as smoothly, she slid the wallet back into his pocket.

sound of approval and gave

had seen it all. Her expression remained unreadable, but the sharpness in her

Since when had Eric and Hadley been this

and instantly