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

Chapter 119 Keep Her At Arm’s Length

Linda chose not to delve into the recent events that had unfolded. Instead, she kept the conversation light, as

was her custom.

“Sorry I arrived a bit later than usual today. The chill in the air has settled in. Just stepping from the car made my cheeks feel the bite of the cold. Here, feel it. Isn’t it brisk?”

She gently pressed her cheek against Ernest’s palm as she spoke.

Ernest’s brow furrowed slightly, and a tremor ran through his fingers as he lowered his hand, attempting to

pull away.

Linda’s heart raced.

Was he intentionally distancing himself from her?

Maintaining her composure, she replied with warmth, “Is your arm weary? I apologize for making you hold it

up.”

Ernest opened his mouth, but only a raspy, muffled sound came forth.

Linda instantly grasped his need. After caring for him for so long, she recognized his signals like an old friend.

“You need to use the restroom, right? Just a moment…”

She started toward the bathroom to get his bedpan.

But Ernest tugged at her shirt, shaking his head slowly, his brow knitted in concern.

She understood his gesture, yet confusion washed over her.

“Ernest, I’m your fiancee. We might as well be married, wedding or not. Let me assist you, please.”

Still, he shook his head, his forehead creased in refusal.

With a hand pressed to her temple, she felt a wave of resignation. “Alright, I’ll call the caregiver.”

Ernest had a duo of caregivers, one male and one female.

As Linda stood up, a pang of unease fluttered in her chest.

She really didn’t get it.

What was happening with Ernest? Ever since he regained consciousness, he had been keeping her at arm’s length.

He permitted her to wipe his face and help him sip water, but when it came to using the bathroom or a full-

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Her At

he insisted on the presence

Why?

shared so

her to witness him at his most vulnerable.

comfort.

still couldn’t articulate his needs, she felt

through the script,

with care.

handed the hefty stack of notes to

here

visibly taken aback.

Hadley felt a twinge of self–consciousness. “I’ve never tackled anything like this before, so I jotted down every thought that crossed

problem at all.” Adonis admired her approach. “This kind of attitude is the first step

“Okay.”

that Adonis walked away quite pleased.

solely his decision. As the director, he still had to answer to the producer and the

real power.

the fold came with its own set of challenges.

filming,

join us

for specifics, Elvin winked conspiratorially.

this new project. Don’t sweat it when

dinner with

an unshakeable hesitation, though she couldn’t quite put her finger on why.

she nodded. “Understood.”

knowing she was about to meet the heavyweights, Hadley chose a coffee–toned evening gown— elegant

directions, she arrived punctually at the venue to

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O

her over. “Come on,

“Alright.”

sigh, a shadow of concern crossing his face.

Webster?” Hadley asked, puzzled. “What’s

“Once we get upstairs, no matter what happens, try to keep

kind of advice was that?

began to race. What

tense. “I just found out that our producer is Wayne

officially stepped into the entertainment arena yet. So who was this Wayne

notorious flaw.

widened. Was that really just a

dare cross the line. Plus, he’s not one of the investors this time, so he can’t push you

to Adonis, the role envisioned for Hadley was the

risk featuring her too much. Still, this particular part could shine if

the producer and backers would at least show some semblance of respect.