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

to be for Hadley.

came sooner

lobby, Linda noticed Hadley being escorted by a receptionist

of annoyance tightened her chest.

surely came

“Hadley!”

the elevator, Hadley heard Linda calling her. Turning

clouded with annoyance.

There she was.

sharply. “Yes, Linda? What do you

greeted her with a smile. “Just wanna to say

was eager to leave. “Alright, I’m off

some snacks?” Linda interjected before Hadley could

a bag toward Hadley. “Candied hawthorns, they’re actually quite

regarded Linda with suspicion. It was unusual for Linda to offer her anything nice.

of the potential risks, Hadley decided against accepting

sigh, Linda withdrew the bag. “Pity, they’re

was puzzled by the gesture.

sense of Linda’s actions, Linda suddenly seized her wrist, speaking

alone for a moment?” Linda’s voice

puzzled by her secretive

a subtle nod from Hadley, the receptionist moved away to afford

ahead. I’m

smile polite yet insincere.

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

“You seem quite satisfied these days. Eric got you that

silent for a moment, and then finally spoke.

into a smirk. “Consider this–Eric couldn’t

14:23

all of

implication, Hadley didn’t utter another word

been troubling her deeply

answer that she was

said, her voice dripping with conceit as she tilted her head slightly, catching Hadley off guard.

What?

Hadley tensed up, grappling with the reality of Linda’s words. “Ernest is really awake”

her

was incredible

balled her fists, emotions flooding through her. Tears welled up in her eyes, Ernest had always looked

this–Eric has ignored you for so long. Why the sudden change? Why is he now so intent on securing your