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.

kicked in–she tried to pull away, to put some space between herself and

tightened. “What are you doing?” His brow furrowed, annoyance flashing

in front of Linda, like it meant nothing? Did

Won’t be my problem anyway,”

face later, he

her head, her expression locking into something

to Linda. His voice was smooth, effortless.

one of the private rooms. “Our film crew is

did Hadley and Eric casually go out to dinner?

pleasant. “The director and producers are here

need for that.” Eric’s smile was relaxed but distant. “It’s your crew’s event. I

wavered for just a second. “Okay then…”

a slight nod. “You should

lips together, casting one last glance at Hadley before turning away.

Instead, she stopped

That was it? Eric actually let Linda walk away that easily? But from the hesitation

Was that why he was giving her

Eric’s voice

“Go take care of the

“Uh…

“1

back into focus, and

pocket,” Eric muttered, making no effort to move.

into her

Was he seriously expecting

20.8%

But if that was what it took to get

turning slightly and slipping her hand

slipping her hand into the

She lifted her

tickled her ear. Eric’s voice came slow

The inner pockets?

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

hesitated midair, irritation flickering across her face.

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

a corner, she sighed and

gaze flickered, his throat shifting as he silently

instead of slipping her hand inside, Hadley took a different approach–she unbuttoned his jacket and flipped the front panel open.

inner pocket, pulling out the wallet with a

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

beat, Hadley took out some cash from

slid the wallet back into his pocket. “All done. Let’s go.”

quiet sound of approval

Linda had seen it all. Her expression remained unreadable, but the sharpness in her gaze spoke volumes.

been this at ease with each

and instantly