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

Chapter 156 Her Hopes

Were Shattered Into Pieces

Hadley, still frail and powerless to push back, merely let her eyelids drift shut, opting to tune Eric out entirely.

Was this her way of quietly digging in her heels?

Eric let out a wry, self–mocking smile. “Do you despise me?” he asked softly.

Of course, Hadley didn’t dignify that with a response, and he hadn’t truly expected her to.

“You’re well aware, more than anyone, that the mess we’re in today traces back to Wilma. I’m merely playing the hand I’ve been dealt. You and Denver would part ways one way or another tonight–Wilma would make sure of it. And trust me, had it not been for me, you would have been in a far worse state than you are now.” Hadley kept her eyes squeezed shut, her lashes trembling ever so slightly, her fists balled up tightly as she remained mute.

A soft sigh escaped Eric’s lips. “Just… get some rest.”

Gazing at Hadley’s defiant expression, he thought to himself, “What’s the use? There was no sense in debating this further. Why tangle with a woman whose heart was still mending?”

When Hadley stirred from her slumber, the room was empty.

When had Eric slipped away? She couldn’t quite pinpoint it. The drug had lulled her into a deep calm, and sleep had claimed her soon after.

Testing her limbs, she felt a renewed vigor.

With a stretch of her arms, she propped herself up and noticed her clothes neatly folded by the bedside.

Eric hadn’t taken liberties while she was unconscious. Not that she pegged him as a saint–far from it.

He simply wasn’t interested–that much she knew all too well.

Even during their marriage, he had shown no desire to touch her.

Rising to her feet and slipping into her clothes, her phone suddenly buzzed to life.

It was Blanche on the line.

“Hello, Ms. Nicolson.”

In the recent calamity, Blanche had been among the worst injured. Over the phone, she asked Hadley to come to the hospital.

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< Chapter 156 Her Hopes Were Shattered Into Pieces

“Of course, Ms. Nicolson.”

After hanging up, Hadley hastened to the hospital.

She would have gone regardless of Blanche’s request.

Many of her troupe colleagues had been hurt, and she wanted to see if she could lend a hand in any way.

“Ms. Nicolson.”

entered Blanche’s private room

in–take a seat.”

other troupe members–dancers and department heads among them.

to settle down. “Now that we’re all gathered, let’s keep this short and cut to

heart of the discussion

to the lead dancers of two groups, which might force a halt

“It’s out of our hands. Accidents occur, and sometimes we’re at the mercy of fate.” Her plan was to oversee initial treatments at the hospital before arranging

up responsibilities to ensure everything was in order.

reminder. “Everyone, see to your tasks diligently. While we’re still in Blathe, keep the lines of communication tight if anything crops

“Yes, Ms. Nicolson.”

“Understood, Ms. Nicolson.”

injuries, she would not only perform in her own group but also step into the

mountain of logistical tasks awaited her attention. The days ahead promised to be a whirlwind of

to steady herself. She intended to check

the date of Joy’s surgery, she mused.

as she answered. “Dr.

“Can you come to the hospital?”

at the hospital!” Hadley let out a soft laugh. “Just

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Were Shattered Into Pieces

she quickened her steps toward

the corridor, she caught sight of Mathias. “Dr. Williams!” she called out.

her short. It wasn’t

her smile dimmed. “Apologies–I got carried away.

furrowed as he motioned toward his office.

“Of course.”

that moment, she hadn’t had the faintest

“Dr. Williams…”

of color. She managed a frail smile, clinging to disbelief. “You’re pulling my leg, aren’t you? This can’t be happening.”

head, his expression somber. “Since Joy was admitted over six months ago, I’ve held onto the same hope as you–that

unshed tears. Her voice quivered as she spoke. “But…

and remorse. “The donor withdrew at

a hand through his hair, frustration evident. “I should’ve prepared you for this possibility. It’s

just like that, Hadley’s hopes were shattered

“Dr. Williams!”

shut for a brief moment before blurting out, “Who was the donor? Can you tell me? I need to speak

need to take a step back! That’s

her eyes growing even redder as

What would

anguish. “Don’t let this break you. Other chances will come… Joy’s

was fine now, but what about

surgery to cure her, Joy would be tethered to endless hospital visits and treatments. At best, they could

what if that fragile thread of hope

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Hopes Were Shattered