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

Chapter 205 Why Settle For Someone Who Never…

“Hadley?”

Noticing the tears welling up in her eyes, Eric could tell he’d hurt her deeply.

Clearly, her heart was still tied to his.

In the end, Eric knew he’d pushed her too far and wounded her deeply.

Which girl would tolerate her boyfriend standing guard over another woman?

Hadley had lashed out and walked away precisely because she’d cared so deeply.

Eric finally grasped it–why had he been so blind until now?

Without warning. Eric rose sharply, stepped toward Hadley, and lowered himself to one knee, gently capturing her hands in his own.

“Whatever you want, Hadley. I’ll promise you everything!”

With genuine remorse reflected in his eyes, he said quietly, “It was me who made the mess of things. I reacted badly, so you have every right to be angry. You’ve ignored me these past days, and I deserved every moment of it. Are you still upset? If you are, take it out on me–tell me exactly what it’ll take for your heart to mend.”

Hadley scoffed bitterly.

Seeing Eric now, anyone watching might be easily fooled by his act of devotion.

At that moment, she had no interest in arguing or exchanging insults with him.

Meeting his gaze firmly, she said with quiet intensity, “You’re the one who insisted on getting back together, Eric. Let’s be clear about something-I have a bad temper, and that’s nothing new to you. This is who I am. If I bring chaos into your life and leave everything in ruins, don’t you dare blame me later.”

“What?” He laughed softly, a teasing smile playing across his lips. “You’re actually worried about me, aren’t you?”

His fingers tightened gently around hers. Take it easy. Unless you’re planning to leave again, there’s nothing you could throw at me that I can’t take”

Hadley clenched her teeth. Frustration got the better of her as she retorted, “I’m not joking What’s your problem? Wouldn’t life be smoother with a sweet, agreeable girlfriend instead?”

“And miss all the excitement? Eric tilted his head, eyes dancing with mischief “I want a girlfriend, Hadley, not someone who nods at everything I say Why settle for someone who never challenges me?”

For the first time, Hadley found herself without a response.

Chapter 205 Why Settle For Someone Who Never Challenges Me

Considering that, she hoped he understood exactly what he was signing up for–no complaining later, not second thoughts.

She was laying all her cards on the table now, and he’d better live up to his confident promises.

At the police station, Elissa had woken up early.

Days had blended together into a blur, filled with repeated trips in and out of a holding cell. Nobody could expect a young woman like her to get accustomed to such a nightmare.

stolen by worry–she wore her exhaustion plainly.

Holland.” A voice broke through the haze,

head, eyes rimmed red. “Yes, officer,” said Elissa, rising to

the gate echoed through the room. “Step outside.”

brief flash of confusion crossed her

officer said, shaking his head.

gate, another officer stood waiting, her posture

this officer. She’ll guide you through

What?

really free?

her a comforting smile. “Come with me, please.”

course. Thank you,

behind quietly, filled out all the forms as instructed, scribbled her signature, and retrieved

set. You’re officially

so much, officer.”

through the building, she embraced the sudden sunlight, taking a deep breath as

reached for her phone and immediately dialed Hadley’s number.

car, Hadley saw the incoming call, Elissa’s name glowing brightly on the screen. Glancing toward Eric, she

yet Elissa was already calling with news of her

call without

relief flooding through her until tears streamed

27.3%

205 Why Settle For Someone Who Never Challenges Me

have come to her rescue?

Elissa doubted he’d lift a finger even if the authorities needed

don’t owe me a thing.”

me. Now, just head home and rest

call you later,

her pace quickening, her heart lighter than it

an old oak, Ernest observed quietly

should

“Yes.”

nod, Ernest

throughout this entire mess, her husband never bothered to appear.

should-

need,” Ernest interrupted before Quentin could

no emotion, his voice neutral but final. “As long as she’s unharmed, what she

running down

at FOUR Hours.

Flynn, please take

followed by Hadley,

chat, Eric had practically dragged her here,

the one he had picked

always leaned toward graceful, ladylike elegance, but the style Hadley wore