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

grip tightened. “What are you doing?” His brow furrowed, annoyance flashing across his face. “Quit

that far gone? Holding onto her like this, right in front of Linda, like it

my problem anyway,” Hadley

he had no one to blame but

expression locking into

voice was

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

Hadley and Eric casually go out to

and producers are here too. Want to say hello?”

need for that.” Eric’s smile was relaxed but distant. “It’s your crew’s event. I wouldn’t want

Linda’s smile wavered for just

head in a slight nod. “You should

one last glance at Hadley before turning

Instead, she stopped

walk away that easily? But from the hesitation in Linda’s eyes, it

why he was giving

voice broke

her, he mumbled sleepily, “Go

blinked. “Uh… okay.”

“1

into focus, and nodded. “Where’s your wallet?”

pocket,” Eric muttered, making no

his weight pressing into her like he was seconds from passing out.

seriously

20.8%

what it took

turning slightly and slipping her

slipping her

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

voice came slow and teasing. “Try the inner pockets.”

The inner pockets?

was he seriously expecting her to dig inside his jacket? That meant

midair, irritation flickering across

lazy. “Unless you’d rather let everyone think I skipped out on

corner, she sighed and

flickered, his throat shifting as

unbuttoned his jacket and flipped the front panel

out

flickering in his eyes. Smart move–when

missing a beat, Hadley took out some cash from his wallet, and

she slid the wallet back

a quiet sound of approval and gave a slow

shadow, Linda had seen it all. Her

had Eric and Hadley been this at ease with

and instantly