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

be

came sooner

Hadley being escorted by a receptionist toward the

annoyance tightened her

surely came on orders from higher up.

“Hadley!”

was about to step into the elevator, Hadley heard Linda calling her. Turning around,

clouded with annoyance.

There she was.

her patience wane, Hadley spoke sharply. “Yes, Linda? What do you need?”

with a smile. “Just

was eager to leave. “Alright, I’m off then-”

snacks?” Linda interjected before Hadley could excuse herself.

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

offer her anything nice. Could there be something wrong with

decided against accepting anything. “No, thank you.”

sigh, Linda withdrew the bag.

puzzled by

Linda suddenly seized her wrist, speaking

we talk alone for a moment?” Linda’s voice

was puzzled by her secretive demeanor.

subtle nod from Hadley, the receptionist moved away to afford them some privacy.

ahead. I’m

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

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

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

remained silent for a moment, and then finally

couldn’t stand you before. Now, why

14:23

all of a sudden?”

Hadley didn’t utter another word

question had been troubling her deeply

Linda possibly have the answer that she was desperately seeking?

she tilted her head slightly, catching Hadley off guard. “Pay attention–this

What?

reality

bit, her

incredible news!

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

“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