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

Chapter 181 No More Tears, Okay

Eric wondered whether destiny was playing tricks on him.

An unexpected feeling stirred in his chest, tempting him to rush over and pull the little girl close.

Yet before he could act, Phillips yanked him back, and the elevator doors slid shut, sealing off his view. “Mr. Flynn, what’s gotten into you? That’s dangerous! Besides, aren’t we supposed to go upstairs?” Phillips’s voice shattered Eric’s brief daze. Right–what had come over him?

He was here to find Hadley, and yet he’d been sidetracked by the mere sight of a small child.

The elevator chimed softly at the ninth floor.

Two apartments occupied this level, but since one stood empty, there was no question about his destination. On the edge of the bed, Elissa carefully poured water into a glass, offering it gently to Hadley. She brushed Hadley’s forehead lightly. “You’re not burning up as much now.”

Elissa opened a new fever patch, carefully pressing it against Hadley’s forehead.

“You’re still sure about skipping the medicine?” she asked with concern.

“I’ll be fine,” Hadley replied softly, shaking her head as she took careful sips. “I’m already feeling better.”

A chill had crept into her body, leaving her slightly feverish, yet medication wasn’t an option.

After all, there was a chance she could be pregnant–how could she possibly risk it? “Alright then.”

Respecting Hadley’s wishes, Elissa stood up, picking up the ice pack that had lost its coolness. “Let me get you a fresh one. Do you want something to eat? Melba said she prepared some chicken soup for you. Can you stomach anything right now?”

“I think I’d like that…”

Elissa had just stepped into the kitchen when the sudden chime of the doorbell startled her.

“Just a minute!” she called out.

Opening the door, Elissa froze instantly, eyes wide with shock. She whispered anxiously, “Mr. Flynn?”

A mocking laugh escaped Eric’s lips, bitter and sharp.

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Everything he needed to know was written on her face.

“Hadley!”

Pushing past Elissa without another thought, Eric made his way directly into the master bedroom.

Seeing Eric suddenly appear, Hadley flinched, clutching the blanket tightly around herself, pressing backward into the pillows as if hoping they could shield her.

He had found her after all.

Somehow, he’d managed to track her here.

Elissa rushed inside, standing firmly in Eric’s path with her arms stretched wide. “Mr. Flynn, you have to leave right now. Hadley made it clear she doesn’t want to see you!”

“Hmm?”

tilting his

mouth as he said, “And you believe

me?”

his expression darkened as he recalled

hiding things, aren’t you? Knowing everything and keeping it a secret from me all this

dismissed her with an irritated wave. “Get out of my

“Never!”

her legs shook and

here precisely because she doesn’t want anything to do with

no intention of abandoning her friend

an exasperated sigh, his

time arguing wasn’t on his

in my way, I’ll have no choice but to remove you

aside and roughly tossed her

“Ah!”

Elissa fell backward, colliding with Ernest, who had just entered

“Watch out!”

swiftly, Ernest reached forward and steadied her before

cheeks turned a deep shade of red as she realized she was now nearly sitting in Ernest’s

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No More Tears,

Oh no!

just landed on someone in

hurt? Did

“Oh my gosh!”

in embarrassment. “I’m really sorry! Are you alright?

mean to land on

go right away, Ernest held her firmly until she regained her balance. “You’re

Can you stand?”

fine!” Elissa replied anxiously, waving her hands to

With a gentle nod, Ernest carefully withdrew his hands.

two, Ernest studied her face quietly before turning his attention elsewhere

word.

Eric approached the bed slowly and seated himself at its

closing her eyes and ignoring

surprise him. From this angle, Eric clearly noticed how damp

were.

eyes drifted toward the bedside table, he took note of the medical supplies scattered

inside him, mingled with a powerful pang

“Hadley.”

his arms, pulling the blanket around her.

regret. “I’m sorry, Hadley. I was a fool, and

the blanket. Remembering his earlier cruelty made

your hands off me!” She fought against his embrace.

captured her wrists. “You’re furious, I get it. Go on, take a swing at me if that’ll help you cool

“You think I won’t do

arm back

then!” Eric said, tilting his head back, bracing for the blow. “Hit me until you’re satisfied!” “Alright!”

of a slap, Hadley delivered a sharp

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“Ugh!”

his abdomen, gasping in pain. “Okay, you can hit