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!”

name called out, Hadley felt her

fast, his expression one of concern. A

her.

he gripped her wrist and pulled, causing her

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

taken aback by her intense response, momentarily froze, wondering if this was a sign of another distressing “episode” she was experiencing.

some time since Hadley had

causing

her voice

Eric quickly let go of her hand, showing his palms in a

Hadley fixed him with a

I’m moving back.” Eric complied, his voice calm, retreating slowly to

guard. Eric, recognizing her discomfort, continued to back

just in

around, darted into it, and furiously tapped

please,” she muttered urgently to herself.

as the doors slid shut in front of him. Frustration overwhelmed him, and he

raced forward, driven by the ne

looking where she was

she collided

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

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run into. His expression was one of surprise and

“Hadley?”

voice instantly brought a rush of

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

it’s me. What’s going

color drained

in her eyes–she was more

being chased?”

“Yes…”

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

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

hesitated before nodding, her body trembling.

let’s move,” Denver said, guiding her

had just reached safety

“Hadley!”

elevator bank, filled with concern as

Can you hear me?”

nearby, Hadley cowered against the wall, her body quivering at the sound of his voice. Her face grew even whiter, and her

questions he dared not

state.

Eric failed to spot her and dashed outside the

watching

shaken, Denver finally said softly, “I’m going to check outside. Just stay here,

weak nod. “Okay…

said with

he watched Eric’s car drive away from the hospital He breathed a sigh of