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

Chapter 100 Driving A Wedge

Eric raised his eyebrows, startled. “What’s that coming from?”

Quickly concealing her annoyance with a grin, Linda responded, “Just a little humor. Why are you taking it so

seriously?”

She then explained her presence, “I stopped by for a meeting with East Entertainment.”

East Entertainment Media, a subsidiary of the Flynn Group, shared the building with Eric’s office.

Linda had scheduled today to discuss with her agent to lighten her future workload, canceling or postponing non–urgent appointments, though she still had some commitments to honor.

Getting to her feet, she said, “I’ve managed my schedule and just thought I’d check in with you before leaving. I’ve got work later.”

a and

“Understood.” Eric nodded briefly. “I’ll let you get on with your evening-”

“Anyway,” Linda interjected before he could finish. Her eyes landed on the two brown paper bags on the coffee table. She gestured toward them. “Just curious–what are those?”

“Oh, those?” Eric glanced at the bags, recognition dawning. “Those are candied hawthorns.”

His answer came out plain and simple.

Linda, intrigued, raised an eyebrow. “When did you start liking this kind of snack?”

Eric hesitated, careful not to mention they were meant for Hadley. “It’s just something I felt like nibbling on.”

“Really? Are they good?” Linda inquired as she bent over, opened a bag, and tried a piece.

“Not too bad,” she commented after tasting it.

“See?” Eric replied, a subtle twitch in his brow. Swiftly, he handed her the opened bag. “Why don’t you take this one with you?”

Linda chuckled and replied, “Really? Are you sure?”

“Yes, they’re just some treats,” Eric responded casually. “I’ve got more here.”

After all, the bag was already open–giving it to Hadley was no longer an option.

Linda laughed as she took the bag. “Thanks, then. I’m off.”

But her smile faded the moment she turned around.

Eric buying candied hawthorns for himself? She wasn’t buying it—he never even liked hawthorns.

14:23

had to be

came sooner than expected.

being escorted by a receptionist toward the executive elevator.

of annoyance tightened her

the receptionist surely came on

“Hadley!”

Hadley

clouded with annoyance.

There she was.

spoke sharply. “Yes, Linda? What do you

a smile. “Just wanna to say

eager to leave. “Alright, I’m off

about some snacks?” Linda interjected before Hadley could excuse

lift a bag toward Hadley. “Candied hawthorns, they’re actually quite tasty. Care for one?”

Linda with suspicion. It was unusual for Linda to offer her anything nice. Could there be something wrong with it?

of the potential risks, Hadley decided against accepting anything. “No,

withdrew the bag. “Pity, they’re

by the

actions, Linda suddenly seized

we talk alone for a moment?” Linda’s

by her

nod from Hadley, the receptionist moved away

ahead. I’m listening.”

maintained her composure, her smile polite yet insincere. “You’re

thin. “Unaware of what?” Linda’s vague hints were getting on her nerves. “Can you just spit it out? Or do you have trouble

Linda’s facade cracked slightly, her tone sharpening. “You seem quite satisfied these days. Eric got you that position at Blanche’s

silent for a moment, and then finally spoke.

smirk. “Consider this–Eric couldn’t stand you before. Now,

14:23

of

implication, Hadley didn’t

been troubling

Linda possibly have the answer that she

voice dripping with conceit as she tilted her head slightly, catching Hadley off guard. “Pay attention–this is happening because Ernest has

What?

up, grappling with the reality

Linda’s voice shook a bit, her eyes

incredible news!

her eyes, Ernest had always looked out for her, much like a true elder

so long. Why the sudden change? Why is