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.

she shook her head. “But Nyla, even the most

caught off guard.

was steady, almost detached. “Looking back, I’m not even sure I ever loved

words stumbled out, her disbelief clear.

her gaze distant. “You always talked about how you wanted me to be your granddaughter–in–law. I convinced myself that was

Nyla’s face drained of color.

rejecting Eric–she was erasing every trace of

searching for the right words. “Divorce is the only option for me. It’s the only choice that makes sense.”

realized there was really no

slumping in resignation.

of Hadley’s hair behind her ear. “Don’t worry. I may have spoken for him today, but that’s where

caught off guard, her gaze fixed on Nyla

Nyla laughed softly, playfully pinching Hadley’s cheek. “I meant it. I want you to have

her throat, her nose

silly girl. What’s there to thank

go of her hand, exhaling quietly. “Why don’t you head to the kitchen? See if breakfast is ready.” “Alright.”

and walked toward the kitchen.

moment Hadley was out of earshot, Nyla’s smile vanished. Her face shifted, hardening with resolve, and her voice dropped to a

pulled back, and Eric stepped into the

to

the outcome was his to face.

her grandson.

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Eric’s face remained unreadable, betraying

a deep, heavy sigh. “Then it’s

Eric’s hands clenched into fists, his gaze sharp and unyielding.

with disbelief as she turned sharply toward her grandson. “What do you mean you can’t? We agreed on this! You heard Hadley–she doesn’t want any part of it!

Hadley against his own

turned out. Was it ever

the mood shifting with a coldness

a pleading grip. “Please, don’t do

upset, Eric chuckled, though it didn’t reach his eyes. “Grandma,

bear to hurt the woman he desired?

get hurt,” Nyla said with a relieved breath. “Hadley’s a fine woman. The more I get to know

the smallest of smiles. “She is.”

came

seen Nyla?” Hadley asked,

in, taking a slow sip of his coffee. “She

nodded, though a flicker of doubt

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

unsure of how to

“Um…”

Eric reached across the table and held something up to

“What?”