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

Chapter 102 A Convenient

Buffer

Eric stood there, a wave of melancholy sweeping over him as he watched Hadley with his brother.

He realized only now how deep their bond was.

He could faintly recall Ernest’s consistent kindness toward Hadley, his brother was a good man, kind–hearted by nature, which explained Hadley’s profound respect for him.

Reflecting on it now, the loss they had endured–Hadley must have been heartbroken, despite her known

differences with Linda.

Back then, Eric was too wrapped up in his own guilt towards his brother for not being able to protect his child to see the situation from Hadley’s viewpoint.

What was done was done. Dwelling on those days served no purpose now.

Leaving the hospital room, Eric noticed Hadley’s tear–stained face. “Stay here for a second,” he instructed gently. “I’m going to grab an ice pack for those eyes.”

Her eyes, red and swollen, looked painfully irritated, almost as if she would struggle to keep them open without some relief.

“Thank you.” Hadley gave a distracted nod.

However, as soon as Eric turned his back, Hadley’s resolve hardened. She couldn’t stay here a moment longer. Without a second thought, she dashed toward the hospital exit, driven by an urgent need to escape.

She knew now–Linda had spoken the truth.

Ernest was conscious again. Eric, who had always held his brother in high esteem, was likely torn by his loyalty. With Ernest awake, Eric could no longer remain by Linda’s side without raising suspicions. He probably saw Hadley as a convenient buffer against any potential misinterpretations by his brother.

This realization explained Eric’s sudden kindness toward her.

A cold shudder passed through Hadley as she grasped this reality.

All of Eric’s recent attentions, his pursuit of her–it was all a facade, not truly meant for her.

The weight of those long, loveless days in their marriage pressed down on her once more, suffocating her like a relentless wave. She vowed never to return to such depths.

At that moment, Eric came back, ice pack in hand, only to discover her absence.

0.0%

13:24

O

<

Chapter 102 A Convenient Buffer

He stopped a nurse and asked, “Did you see that girl 1 came with?”

A nurse responded, “The young lady that was with you? She just rushed out.”

Eric didn’t even wait for her to finish; he dashed off, his long legs carrying him swiftly.

“Hadley!”

Hadley felt

his expression

her.

Eric exclaimed as he gripped her wrist and pulled, causing her to

one of sheer panic; her body trembled violently, and a cry

if this was a sign

some time since Hadley

causing this

me now!” Hadley demanded, her voice

let go of her hand, showing his palms in a gesture of peace. “Look, I’ve let go. There’s no need

with a wary stare. “Move away from me!”

his voice calm, retreating slowly to give her space.

remained tense, clearly on guard. Eric, recognizing her discomfort, continued to back away, ensuring

elevator dinged just in

it, and furiously tapped the button to

please,” she muttered urgently to herself.

the doors slid shut in front of him. Frustration

ne to

wasn’t looking where

collided with

could even steady herself, she murmured frantically, “I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry-

25.7%

13.24

O

up, she recognized the person she had run into. His expression was one

“Hadley?”

brought a

eyes widened as she finally registered the familiar face before her. “Denver, is that

“Yes, it’s

see her shaking, the color drained from her

in her eyes–she was

you being

“Yes…”

body swayed as she fought to maintain her composure. Her efforts to remain composed were futile; anxiety clutched

expression softened significantly, his tone gentle. “Let’s get you to safety. You can trust

her body trembling. “Yes.”

said, guiding her

just reached safety when-

“Hadley!”

echoed from the elevator bank, filled

you? Can you hear

against the wall, her body quivering at the sound

racing with questions he dared

state.

Eric failed to spot her and dashed outside the lobby.

held back, watching over Hadley patiently.

slowly eased, though she remained deeply shaken, Denver finally said softly,

weak nod.

really don’t need to thank me,” Denver said with a soft

drive away from the hospital He breathed a