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

came sooner than expected.

Linda noticed Hadley being escorted by a receptionist toward the executive elevator.

twinge of annoyance tightened her chest.

receptionist surely came on

“Hadley!”

about to step into the elevator, Hadley heard Linda calling

clouded with annoyance.

There she was.

patience wane, Hadley spoke sharply. “Yes, Linda? What

with a smile. “Just wanna

was eager to leave. “Alright, I’m off

snacks?” Linda

“Candied hawthorns, they’re actually quite tasty. Care for

offer her anything nice. Could there be something wrong

Hadley decided against accepting anything. “No,

withdrew the bag. “Pity, they’re really quite good.”

puzzled by

sense of Linda’s actions, Linda suddenly seized her wrist, speaking in a hushed tone.

for a moment?”

by her secretive demeanor.

subtle nod from Hadley, the receptionist

I’m

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

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

her tone sharpening. “You seem quite satisfied these days. Eric got you that position at Blanche’s dance studio, right?

silent for a moment, and then finally spoke. “What are you getting at?”

twisted into a smirk. “Consider this–Eric couldn’t stand you before. Now, why would he be

14:23

of a

the implication, Hadley didn’t utter

had been troubling

answer that she

I’m aware,” Linda said, her voice dripping with conceit as she tilted her head slightly, catching Hadley off guard. “Pay attention–this is happening because Ernest has regained consciousness.”

What?

reality of Linda’s

correct. Linda’s voice shook a bit, her eyes glistening with

incredible

Tears welled up in her eyes, Ernest had always looked out for her, much like a true elder brother

long. Why the sudden change? Why is he now so intent on securing your