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

Chapter 84 Rosebud Lips

“Nyla…”

Hadley’s face was blank, devoid of any emotion. She slowly shook her head. “I’m done with Eric.”

Nyla froze, a chill running through her.

She’d heard those words before.

The last time, Hadley had come to the sanatorium, saying the same thing–pleading for Nyla to support her decision to divorce.

Back then, Nyla had thought Hadley was holding back, burdened by things she couldn’t voice.

“Are you scared, Hadley?” Nyla asked softly. “Scared he’ll slip back into his old habits? That he’ll push you away again?”

She exhaled a soft, steady breath before adding, “It won’t happen. This time’s different. It’s not me asking for it–Eric’s the one making the choice. You know how he is. Once he’s set on something, nothing can sway him. If he promises something, you can count on him to follow through.”

Hadley believed that with every part of her.

When his brother had the accident, Eric had been there, unwavering by his hospital bed, swearing that from then on, Linda would be his responsibility.

And he had kept that vow, without fail.

But even so, Hadley couldn’t bring herself to agree. “That’s not my concern.”

“Then what is?”

Hadley managed a small, bitter smile. She’d already said this before, so all she could do was repeat herself again. “I just… I don’t love him anymore.”

Nyla was speechless, caught off guard for a moment.

If Hadley had only said it once or twice, Nyla might have written it off as pride or the fear of being hurt again.

But this time, there was no denying it.

Eric had made his position clear–he was retracting the divorce. If Hadley still cared for him, she’d have jumped at the chance to fix things, not shut him out completely.

“You…” Nyla hesitated, her words hanging in the air. “Hadley, are you really sure?”

“Yeah,” Hadley said, nodding firmly. “I’m sure.”

“How can you say that?” Nyla’s voice trembled with confusion. “You’ve loved him since you were fifteen.”

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Chapter 84 Rosebud Lips

Back then, all she ever talked about was Eric. The whole Flynn family knew how much she adored him.

Hadley replied, a wistful smile crossing her face as she shook her head. “But Nyla, even the most intense love… it fades during those four

caught off

detached. “Looking back, I’m not even sure I ever loved him, not the way I thought I did.”

Nyla’s words stumbled out, her

always talked about how you wanted me to be your granddaughter–in–law. I convinced myself

Nyla’s face drained of color.

erasing every trace of love she’d ever felt for him.

for the right words. “Divorce is the only

realized there was

her shoulders slumping in resignation. “I understand.*

tender motion, she reached up and gently tucked a loose strand of Hadley’s hair behind her ear. “Don’t worry. I may have spoken for him today, but that’s where I draw the line.”

her gaze fixed on Nyla in stunned

that expression?” Nyla laughed softly, playfully pinching Hadley’s cheek. “I meant it. I want you to have a good life–a

lump in her throat, her nose tingling with

you silly girl. What’s there to

exhaling quietly. “Why don’t you head to the kitchen? See if breakfast

and walked toward the kitchen.

vanished. Her face shifted, hardening with resolve, and her voice dropped to a whisper. “You can step out now.”

back, and Eric stepped into the room. He had been hiding there for a while now.

But she’d only agreed to speak on his behalf once. After that, the rest was on him.

outcome was his

her grandson.

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Rosebud Lips

Eric’s face remained unreadable, betraying no hint

a deep, heavy sigh. “Then it’s time to move on.”

fists, his gaze sharp

can’t? We agreed on this! You heard Hadley–she doesn’t want

Hadley against his own

out. Was it ever

expression, the mood shifting with a coldness that

grabbing his hand with a pleading grip. “Please, don’t do this.

grandmother so upset, Eric chuckled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Grandma, why are you so worried? I won’t hurt her.”

could he bear to hurt the woman he desired?

hear. I can never bear to see her get hurt,” Nyla said with a relieved breath. “Hadley’s a fine woman. The

the smallest of smiles.

came to the table, Nyla stayed

Hadley asked, pushing

slow sip of his coffee. “She wasn’t feeling well, so she

a flicker of doubt crossed

seemed fine just moments ago. Perhaps she was still feeling the effects of her recovery, or maybe

Eric, unsure of how to begin.

“Um…”

Eric reached across the table and held something

“What?”