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.

by worry–she wore

voice broke through the haze, calling her clearly.

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

metallic clang of the gate echoed through the room. “Step

brief flash of confusion crossed her face. “Is it time for

officer said, shaking his head.

officer stood waiting, her posture relaxed and reassuring.

you through the paperwork. After that, you’re free to go.”

What?

was really free?

a comforting

course. Thank you,

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

You’re officially

you so

she embraced the sudden sunlight, taking a deep breath as warmth spread across her

and immediately dialed Hadley’s number.

the screen. Glancing toward Eric, she marveled silently at how quickly he’d managed it

was already calling with

answered the call without hesitation. “Elissa! Hey.”

flooding through her until tears streamed freely. “I’m finally out.

27.3%

For Someone Who

would have come to

had become impossible. Elissa doubted he’d lift a finger even

owe me a thing.”

of me. Now, just head home and rest up, and we’ll

I’ll call you later, Hadley!”

and turned toward the bus stop, her pace quickening, her heart

the street, beneath the shade of an old oak, Ernest observed quietly from inside

“Sir, should we

“Yes.”

a faint nod, Ernest shifted his attention away.

mess, her husband never bothered to appear. Perhaps we

should-

interrupted before Quentin could finish.

neutral but final. “As long as she’s unharmed, what

a chill running down his spine. “Perfectly clear,

at FOUR Hours.

take a look…”

store clerk cheerfully led the way, followed by Hadley,

earlier chat, Eric had practically dragged her here, determined

outfit she currently wore was the

leaned toward graceful, ladylike elegance, but the style Hadley wore now was