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

Chapter 102 A Convenient

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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.

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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!”

her name called out, Hadley felt

turned around and saw Eric approaching fast, his expression one of

her.

pulled, causing her

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

wondering if this was a sign of another distressing “episode” she

some time since Hadley had shown such a severe reaction.

was causing

her voice

showing his palms in a gesture of peace. “Look, I’ve let go. There’s no need to be frightened.”

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

Eric complied, his voice calm,

her discomfort, continued to back away, ensuring not to

elevator dinged just in time.

whirled around, darted into it, and furiously tapped the button to

please,” she muttered urgently to herself.

He was just a few steps too late as the doors slid shut in front of him. Frustration overwhelmed him, and he hit the elevator doors with the palm of his hand, exclaiming, “Damn

shaking. She raced forward, driven by the ne to escape, not daring to pause for

she wasn’t looking where she

collided

steady herself, she murmured

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person she had run into. His expression was one

“Hadley?”

instantly brought a

registered the familiar

concern. “Yes, it’s me. What’s going on?

see her shaking, the color drained

eyes–she was more than

being

“Yes…”

a whisper, her body swayed as she fought to maintain her composure. Her efforts to remain composed were futile;

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

nodding, her

her away with a reassuring touch.

had just reached

“Hadley!”

echoed from the elevator bank, filled with concern as he looked around

Can you hear

storage room nearby, Hadley cowered against the wall, her body quivering at the sound of his voice.

questions he dared not ask, worried it might worsen her

state.

moment, Eric failed to spot her and dashed outside the

back, watching over Hadley

she remained deeply shaken, Denver finally said softly, “I’m going to check outside.

a weak nod. “Okay… Thank

me,” Denver said with a soft smile,

watched Eric’s car drive away from the hospital He breathed a sigh of relief as it disappeared