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!”

out, Hadley felt her heart skipped

turned around and saw Eric approaching fast, his expression one of concern. A surge

her.

her wrist and pulled, causing her to

of sheer panic; her body trembled

by her intense response, momentarily froze, wondering if this was a sign of another distressing “episode”

Hadley had

was causing

now!” Hadley demanded, her voice laced

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

fixed him with a wary stare. “Move away

his voice calm, retreating

discomfort, continued to

elevator dinged just in

into it, and furiously

she muttered urgently to

was just a few steps too late as the doors slid shut in front of him. Frustration overwhelmed him, and he hit the elevator

the ne to escape, not daring to pause for even a

rush, she wasn’t looking where she was

collided

even steady herself, she murmured frantically,

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

“Hadley?”

brought a

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

“Yes, it’s me.

her shaking, the color drained from her

eyes–she

being

“Yes…”

Her

gentle. “Let’s get you to safety. You can trust me, can’t you

before nodding, her

move,” Denver said, guiding her away with

reached safety

“Hadley!”

the elevator bank, filled with concern

Where are you? Can

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

questions he dared not ask, worried

state.

failed to spot

watching over Hadley patiently.

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

nod. “Okay… Thank you.”

don’t need to thank me,” Denver said with a soft smile, exiting the

watched Eric’s car drive away from the hospital He