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 for

sooner than expected.

lobby, Linda noticed Hadley being escorted by a receptionist toward the executive

of annoyance

from the receptionist surely came on orders from

“Hadley!”

into the elevator, Hadley heard Linda calling her. Turning around, her expression

clouded with annoyance.

There she was.

sharply. “Yes, Linda?

with a smile. “Just wanna to

to leave. “Alright, I’m

snacks?” Linda interjected

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

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

of the potential risks, Hadley decided against accepting anything.

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

was puzzled by

she tried to make sense of Linda’s actions, Linda suddenly

moment?”

her secretive demeanor.

nod from Hadley, the receptionist moved

ahead. I’m listening.”

composure, her smile polite yet insincere. “You’re unaware, aren’t you?”

was wearing thin. “Unaware of what?” Linda’s vague hints were getting on her nerves. “Can you

tone sharpening. “You seem quite satisfied these days. Eric got you that position at Blanche’s dance studio, right? You think he’s really changed his attitude

for a moment, and then finally spoke.

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

14:23

kind all of

implication, Hadley

been troubling her deeply

have the answer that she

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

What?

up, grappling with the reality of Linda’s words.

voice shook a bit, her eyes glistening with tears. “He’s awake”

incredible

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

together?” Linda regained her composure, her eyes narrowing. “Consider this–Eric has ignored you for so long. Why the sudden change? Why is he now so intent on securing your future? What do you think his motives are?”