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?”

paused, tilting his head

the corners of his mouth as he said, “And you believe you’re capable

me?”

his expression darkened as he

good at hiding things, aren’t you? Knowing everything and keeping it a secret from me all this time!”

irritated wave. “Get out of my

“Never!”

stood her ground defiantly, even though her legs shook and her face had

because she doesn’t want anything to do with you!”

but she had no intention of abandoning her friend at a

released an exasperated sigh, his patience

arguing wasn’t on his

Eric seized Elissa’s wrists. “If you insist on getting in my way, I’ll have no choice but to remove you

aside and roughly tossed

“Ah!”

backward, colliding with Ernest, who

“Watch out!”

reached forward and steadied

a deep shade of red as she

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Oh no!

just landed on someone in

hurt? Did she

“Oh my gosh!”

words in embarrassment. “I’m really sorry! Are

mean to land

right away, Ernest held her firmly until she regained

Can you stand?”

fine!” Elissa replied anxiously, waving her hands to reassure him. “I’m perfectly

a gentle nod, Ernest carefully withdrew his

Ernest studied her face quietly

word.

the bed slowly and seated himself at its

closing her eyes and

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

were.

his eyes drifted toward the bedside table, he took note of the

with a

“Hadley.”

he enveloped her in his arms, pulling the

Hadley. I was a fool, and I hurt you

earlier cruelty

me!” She fought

on, take a swing at me if

flashed angrily. “You think I won’t

arm

on then!” Eric said, tilting his head back, bracing for the blow. “Hit me until

instead of a slap, Hadley delivered a sharp kick.

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“Ugh!”

over, clutching his abdomen, gasping in pain. “Okay, you can hit me, but please, aim carefully next