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

Chapter 155 It’s Over

Eric exhaled a long, weary sigh before reaching out to help Hadley up. With gentle fingers, he brushed away the tears clinging to her cheeks.

His gaze lingered on the curve of her rounded shoulders, his throat tightening

“Sit here for a minute. I’ll grab you some clothes.”

He rose to his feet and strode toward the walk–in closet.

After a brief moment, he stood inside and asked, “Which side of the closet holds your clothes?”

When he didn’t receive an answer, Eric reached for a familiar piece he had seen her wear before and stepped

out

Suddenly, he heard something fall onto the floor with a loud thud.

“Hadley!”

Eric’s pulse slammed against his ribs. He was at her side in a heartbeat, gathering her up in his arms.

A deep furrow creased his brow. “What just happened? How did you fall?”

A beat passed, and an unsettling thought seized him. He couldn’t bring himself to believe it. “Did you do that on purpose?”

Hadley neither looked at him nor answered.

But what else could it be? The truth was written all over her–she had done this to herself.

“Why did you jump out of bed?”

Eric’s temper flared, rising like a storm he could no longer contain. His hands tightened around her shoulders, his grip just shy of punishing

“For what? To chase after Denver?”

Hadley’s swollen, tear–streaked eyes wavered, her lips trembling as fresh tears spilled down her cheeks.

Eric was livid.

“Why are you still chasing after him? Have you forgotten that he is now with his mother?!”

Eric felt a deep frustration at her lack of self–respect. “His mother has done nothing but hurt you, and yet you are still holding on? Do you really think there is hope? Are you so naive to believe that love is just about two people?”

Wilma despised Hadley–there was no doubt about that. And if she had been capable of harming Hadley once, what was stopping her from doing it again?

20:41

“What about you?” Hadley lifted her tear–streaked face, her eyes burning with raw emotion. “What does any of this have to do with you? Why are you hurting me?”

“I…” Eric faltered, caught off guard.

“Speak!” Her voice cracked as she suddenly shouted at him. “I’m asking you a question!”

“Like I told you before. I want you!” Eric blurted out, his agitation spilling over: “I want you, Hadley!”

had turned him down before, and he had forced himself

he couldn’t really let her go.

the air, swallowed by the heavy silence that settled

eyes locked, and Hadley’s expression twisted as if she had just heard the most absurd joke.

tears hadn’t even dried, yet a

A strange unease crawled up his

obvious? It’s

eyes. “Tell me, Eric, what

want me?”

“I…”

catching him

had never thought about that

her gaze piercing.

in frustration. “Why does there

She met his stare head–on. “Let me put it another way, Eric. Do you

feelings for

a strange tingling crept

was that?

aren’t you saying

“I…”

feelings for me, Eric,” Hadley cut in before he could

sharp enough to slice

to you,

What

think he was doing this because

true!” Eric blurted, eager to deny

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Chapter 155

sneered. “You’re unbelievable, you know that? We have known each other for almost ten years, and you have hated me for nearly all of them. But now, for Linda’s

“You…!”

grip tightened around her shoulders, his breath turning ragged with frustration. “Is this

Hadley lifted her chin, her voice firm and unshaken. “Denver is amazing. Why shouldn’t I like him?”

chest. For a split second, it felt like something. inside him cracked.

in his temple as he snapped, “Shut up!

take it anymore.

“No!”

“Denver treats me well. He respects and cherishes me. No one has ever valued me this much. I like him! And

him a glare filled with pure loathing as if he

slammed her forehead into his. Completely unprepared, Eric staggered back and collapsed onto the floor.

now!” Hadley let out a bitter laugh

was in her bag!

fully recovered, she dropped to the floor

rested.

doing?” Eric’s wary gaze followed

didn’t answer. She just dragged