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

caught

sure I ever loved him,

words stumbled out,

Hadley whispered, her gaze distant. “You always talked about how you wanted

Nyla’s face drained of

trace of love she’d ever felt for

exhaled deeply, pressing her lips together as if searching for the right words. “Divorce is the

Nyla realized there was really no more

slumping in resignation. “I understand.*

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

gaze fixed on Nyla in stunned silence.

“I meant it. I want you to have a

in her throat, her

there to thank me

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

and walked toward the

with resolve, and her voice dropped to a whisper. “You can step out now.”

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

had been the plan–Nyla would speak to Hadley. But she’d only agreed to speak on his behalf once. After that, the rest was on

the outcome was

grandson. “Did you

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84 Rosebud

remained unreadable, betraying no hint of

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

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

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 should know that

his own

out.

the mood shifting

hand with a pleading

his

could he bear to hurt

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

twitched into the smallest

served, but while Eric came to the

Nyla?” Hadley asked,

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

of doubt

Perhaps she was still feeling the effects of her recovery, or maybe she was simply exhausted from attending to her flowers.

sat across from Eric, unsure of how to begin.

“Um…”

reached across the table and held something up

“What?”