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.

wistful smile crossing her face as she shook her head. “But Nyla, even the most intense

chest tightened, caught

I’m not even sure I ever loved

stumbled out, her disbelief clear.

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

face drained

wasn’t just rejecting Eric–she was erasing every trace of love she’d ever felt for him.

the right words. “Divorce is the only option for me. It’s

Nyla realized there was really

shoulders slumping

strand of Hadley’s hair behind her ear. “Don’t worry. I may have spoken for

guard, her gaze fixed on Nyla in

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

a lump in her throat, her nose tingling with emotion. “Thank you,

you silly girl. What’s there to thank me for?”

“Why don’t you head to

walked toward the kitchen.

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

curtain was pulled back, and Eric stepped into the room. He had been hiding there

would speak to Hadley. But she’d only agreed to speak on his

outcome was

her grandson. “Did you hear everything?”

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84 Rosebud Lips

Eric’s face remained unreadable, betraying no hint of emotion.

a deep, heavy sigh. “Then it’s time

Eric’s hands clenched into fists, his

shook 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! You of all people

married Hadley against his

out. Was it

darkened Eric’s expression, the mood shifting

pleading grip.

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

to hurt the

said with a relieved breath. “Hadley’s a

the smallest

was served, but while Eric came to the table,

asked, pushing a plate toward him.

pulled out a chair and settled in, taking a slow sip of his coffee. “She wasn’t feeling well, so she

though a flicker of doubt crossed

was still feeling the effects of her recovery, or maybe she was simply exhausted

Eric, unsure of how to begin.

“Um…”

across the table and

“What?”