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 head

at the corners of his mouth as he

me?”

his expression darkened as he recalled something

everything

irritated wave. “Get out of my way.”

“Never!”

legs shook and her face had

doesn’t want anything to

picture, but she had no intention of abandoning her friend at a time like

exasperated sigh, his patience nearly

time arguing wasn’t on his

Eric seized Elissa’s wrists. “If you insist on getting in my way,

moved her aside and roughly tossed her out of his

“Ah!”

who

“Watch out!”

and steadied her

a deep shade of red as she realized

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More Tears,

Oh no!

someone in a

hurt? Did she hurt him?

“Oh my gosh!”

Elissa stumbled over her words in embarrassment. “I’m

mean to land on you!”

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

Can you stand?”

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

With a gentle nod, Ernest carefully

face quietly before turning his attention

word.

the bed slowly and seated himself at its

closing her eyes and ignoring him.

this angle, Eric

were.

eyes drifted toward the bedside table, he took note of the medical supplies scattered there: fever patches, ice packs, antiseptic solution, and

violently inside him, mingled with a powerful pang

“Hadley.”

in his arms, pulling the blanket

sorry, Hadley. I was a fool, and I hurt you

the blanket. Remembering his earlier cruelty made her want to lash out at

me!” She

her wrists. “You’re furious, I get it. Go on, take a swing at me if

flashed angrily. “You think I

her arm

head back, bracing for the blow. “Hit me until you’re

a slap, Hadley

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“Ugh!”

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