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

Chapter 193 I’ll Just Pretend I’m Feeding A Stray

The conversation veered into dangerous territory..

“Linda!” Eric interjected, a furrow forming on his brow. “You’re overthinking things. You know Ernest–once he makes a promise, he always follows through. And he made a promise to you, didn’t he?”

“Yeah…” Linda nodded, though her agreement felt hollow.

“Try not to worry,” Eric continued, assuming his words had set her mind at rest. “Ernest would never betray you

Never?

She’d once believed that wholeheartedly. Now, she wasn’t so certain.

“Let’s just drop it,” Linda murmured, regaining her composure.

She went back to preparing breakfast, flashing a faint smile. “It’s been a while since you had my cooking. Make sure you eat plenty later.”

“Thank you, but this was too much trouble,” Eric said. “The housekeeper will be here soon…”

“Hey, Eric.” Linda suddenly looked up and interrupted him. “I couldn’t find any ketchup earlier. Did you run

out?”

“Really?” Eric stood immediately, concern creasing his forehead. “I can go out and buy some!”

“No, there’s no need!” Linda tried to stop him with a small laugh. “I only mentioned it in passing. If we have it, great–if not, it’s fine. You know I’ve never really been a big fan of ketchup.”

“That won’t work. Hadley needs it–she won’t eat without ketchup. The store nearby should have some.”

“Hey, Eric…

”

Linda began, but he was already on his way out. She watched him go, eyes darkening slightly.

He’d been so thoughtful toward Hadley these days.

4

Eric came back later than expected, a bottle of ketchup in hand, which he placed on the table.

That took a while, Linda commented.

He explained, “The store downstairs didn’t have the brand Hadley likes, so I had to look elsewhere.” As he spoke, footsteps sounded from the staircase–Hadley was coming down.

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Chapter 1911 Just Pretend Im Feeding A Stray

“Hadley”

stood immediately, his gaze locked on her,

already? This

and Linda beat me to it,” she

of words “you and Linda“-neatly

and took Hadley’s wrist. “Come have breakfast. Linda made something

let him lead her

busy cooking but turned when she heard them enter. “Hadley,

Hadley noticed the unmistakable

go of Hadley’s

Linda’s side, gently guiding her away from the stovetop. “I’ve got this. You go sit. You’ve already done so much.”

put in the effort, he felt it would be rude for

Bacon’s done. You can fry some grease–they’ll be so great.”

her and Hadley alone at

inhaled deeply. “Smells amazing, I’ll

chilled. “I didn’t make them for

eggs with the

eyes slowly, her lips curving in a subtle smile. “I know. But Erie insists I

at

jealousy she’d been storing–over Eric and Ernest–came roaring

surface

stand seeing Hadley’s perfect yet infuriating face for even another second.

Go! Right now!” Linda snapped.

replaced by an icy stare. “What

deepened, her voice low and sharp. “Don’t pretend you didn’t hear me. I said get out of here.”

do if I told him exactly what you just

coolly, “Do it. Think a few days of playing house

25.01

193 III Just Pretend I’m Feeding & Stray

we’ve known each other? Please, I

Eric emerged, carefully carrying a plate in each hand. “Breakfast’s

insist on staying, then eat. I’ll

on the table, shooting them both a wary

his less–than–perfect intuition picked

how to handle it, he quietly sat down beside Hadley. “Sorry for the delay. Shall we

replied, breaking

of crispy bacon–not for herself, but to extend it toward Hadley.

Hadley. Try it. I was up before sunrise

all Hadley had to do was open her mouth. But Linda’s jab about feeding a

she’d take even

prodded, pushing the food closer. “My arm’s getting tired…”

Suddenly–smack!

fully realizing it, Hadley slapped Linda’s hand

bacon–slipped from Linda’s grip and thudded to