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.

abandoned, sleep stolen by worry–she

A voice broke through the haze, calling her clearly.

raised her head, eyes rimmed red. “Yes, officer,” said

metallic clang of the gate echoed through the

confusion crossed her face.

said,

waiting, her posture relaxed

can go with this officer. She’ll guide you through the paperwork. After that, you’re

What?

really

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

course. Thank

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

You’re officially

you so much, officer.”

she embraced the sudden sunlight, taking a deep

her phone and

Hadley saw the incoming call, Elissa’s name glowing brightly on the screen. Glancing toward Eric, she marveled silently at how quickly he’d managed it

yet Elissa was already

answered the call without

Elissa said, relief flooding through her until tears streamed

27.3%

Why Settle For Someone

but Hadley would have come to

become impossible. Elissa doubted he’d lift

me a

“This happened because of me. Now, just head home and

it. I’ll call you later, Hadley!”

pace quickening, her heart lighter than it had been in days

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

should

“Yes.”

faint nod, Ernest shifted his

throughout this entire mess, her husband never

should-

need,” Ernest interrupted before

expression betrayed no emotion, his voice neutral but final. “As long as she’s unharmed, what she chooses to do from

chill running

Irondeer Road, at FOUR

take a

way, followed

here, determined to have her select something she

currently wore was the one he had picked

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