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”

gaze locked on her, reading every

up already? This early?”

beat me to it,” she

“you and Linda“-neatly lumped

the faint discomfort in his chest and took Hadley’s wrist. “Come have

her

turned when she heard them enter. “Hadley, good morning,” she

unmistakable contempt in Linda’s

ahead and sit,” Eric said, letting go of Hadley’s hand. “I’ll help Linda.”

gently guiding her away from the stovetop. “I’ve got this. You go sit. You’ve already done

be rude for

him a tight smile and stepped back. “Alright. Bacon’s done. You can fry some grease–they’ll be

Hadley alone at the

inhaled deeply. “Smells amazing, I’ll bet

face chilled. “I didn’t

eggs with the

a subtle smile. “I know. But Erie insists I eat,

spat, livid at Hadley’s self–assured smirk.

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

surface

stand seeing Hadley’s perfect yet

out! Go! Right now!” Linda

easy smile vanished in an instant, replaced by an

voice low and sharp. “Don’t pretend you didn’t hear me. I said get out of here.” Hadley shot a sidelong glance toward the kitchen, where Erie was

do you think he’d do if I told him exactly what you

an unimpressed arch of her brow, Linda answered coolly, “Do it.

25.01

Just Pretend I’m Feeding & Stray

we’ve known each other? Please, I

a plate in each hand. “Breakfast’s

you insist on staying, then eat. I’ll pretend I’m feeding a

the

less–than–perfect intuition picked up on the

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

replied, breaking the uncomfortable

reached for a piece of crispy bacon–not for

it. I was up before

morsel hovered inches away, all Hadley had to do was open her mouth. But Linda’s jab about feeding a “stray” echoed in

way she’d take even a

prodded, pushing the food closer. “My arm’s

Suddenly–smack!

realizing it, Hadley slapped Linda’s hand

Linda’s grip and thudded to