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

Chapter 97 Ernest Wakes Up

Hadley browsed through the information but didn’t see anything specific relating to what she was looking for.

After a pause, she keyed in the words “praying mantis” “bite” “partner.”

Then she saw her answer.

“Temale praying mantises are known for their cannibalistic mating behavior, where they bite off the head or legs of their partners after mating.”

Speechless, Hadley put her phone away,

Several days later, within the opulent walls of the Flynn Mansion, while Nyla mended from her recent operation, Eric had taken up residence at the family mansion to keep her company.

In the stillness of the witching hour, Eric slumbered deeply, only to be roused by the shrill chime of his phone.

A flicker of annoyance crossed his mind, but it vanished like mist when he glimpsed the caller ID.

It was the physician overseeing Ernest’s care that was calling. Sleepiness fled in an instant.

“Yes, hello?”

“Mr. Flynn! Your brother has stirred from his long slumber!”

Eric went rigid, a shiver racing through him, raising every hair in its wake.

It felt like a dream woven from threads of disbelief. “Repeat that, please!”

“Your elder brother is awake! His eyes have fluttered open!”

Astonishing–beyond belief!

A tidal wave of emotion crashed over Eric, shattering his usual composure. Before he could rein it in, a warm blur clouded his vision, spilling over as tears of unrestrained joy.

After all these years… Ernest had returned to them!

No longer would his brother languish on that sterile hospital bed, ensnared by a web of tubes and the hum of machines, trapped in an endless twilight.

“Mr. Flynn?” The doctor’s voice echoed from the other end. “When might you grace us with your presence?”

Eric’s senses snapped into focus, his voice raw and quivering with barely contained elation.

< Chapter 97 Emest Wakes Up

“This very instant! I’m on my way!”

His brother had awakened–how could he delay even a heartbeat?

We’ll be

aside, Eric dashed to dress, but as he crossed into his sprawling wardrobe, he pivoted

I must tell Grandma!”

monumental occasion–how could he not share it with Nyla? Despite the late hour,

for dawn’s

a matter of her potential displeasure at being left in the dark–he simply

cloak of night, Eric and Nyla departed the

Ernest was.

the car, Nyla’s tears flowed unchecked, a river of pent–up relief.

mustn’t weep so. I know your heart’s

by choice? They’ve a mind of their own! Oh…

hand to her heart, her sobs rolling like thunder. “I once feared he would linger in that limbo forever…

a dull

never abandon us so–he has

absent, immersed in the filming of a nocturnal

embrace.

a heavy breath laced with longing, “And of all nights for Linda to be away… how can she not be at

“I’ve already spoken to her agent. The moment Linda’s scene wraps, she’ll hasten to the

will have to

of the hospital room,

the primary lights, leaving only the gentle radiance of wall sconces to bathe the space in a soft

with tender care, their movements as delicate as a

bed, Ernest bore the same serene visage he had

14:23

Ernest Wakes

even and unhurried.

brimming with a storm of feelings as she turned to the doctor, bewilderment etched across

unease, offered swift reassurance. “Fear not, Mrs. Flynn. He awoke earlier–now he

“Very well…”

reached out, her fingers curling gently

her lips parted to speak, tears carved glistening trails down her timeworn cheeks. She dared not lift her voice above a murmur, her words laced

sweet boy.”

its breath. Silence reigned, stillness prevailed–every gaze locked onto Ernest, as if fearful of

last, Ernest’s eyelids trembled, and with agonizing slowness, they lifted. His eyes found Nyla first, and then

stepping closer to ensure he filled Ernest’s view. “It’s me, Eric. Grandma and I

you.”

crumbled entirely. She clutched her eldest grandson’s hand with fervent strength, her voice fracturing as sobs overtook her. “Ernest, my darling!”

state, steadied her with a gentle touch. “Grandma, you mustn’t weep so. It’ll only weigh on Ernest’s heart

words, Nyla wrestled her sobs into submission, though the ache within her chest gnawed

response… it wasn’t what

alight with unspoken queries. Hadn’t he really awakened?