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

Chapter 206 What Is Dad

Eric whispered his confession, pressing his flushed face against Hadley’s shoulder, too afraid to look up.

He was nervous!

At this point in his life, Eric had never imagined himself saying anything like that.

His heart pounded wildly, so fast it felt like it would leap out of his throat.

Hadley stood motionless, her eyes glued to their reflections, seeing nothing but the tall man pressed anxiously behind her and her own startled expression staring back.

Did Eric really just say what she thought he said?

Was he confessing feelings for her?

This had to be some kind of ridiculous prank!

Who in their right mind would buy that story?

Once they’d left FOUR Hours behind, Hadley decided it was time to return to her own apartment.

Eric, still basking in their reunion, wasn’t thrilled about ending their day so soon.

“Why the rush to leave? We could spend tonight-”

I need rest,” Hadley interrupted firmly, sinking back wearily into the car seat.

Noticing the exhaustion shadowing her face, Eric softened his tone. “You really worn out?”

“Yeah.”

She shot him an exasperated look. “It’s your fault I’m completely drained. Please, Eric, just let me go home and catch up on sleep. I haven’t seen a good night’s rest in days.”

A yawn escaped her lips, emphasizing her point. “So tired…”

Still reluctant to part, Eric persisted gently. “If you’re exhausted, come sleep at Silver Villas instead. It’s way more comfortable. Your apartment is tiny-”

“Eric Hadley gave him a sharp look. “Do you really think that just because we’re back together, you’re suddenly entitled to special treatment?”

Yet secretly, she admitted to herself that spending this time together with Eric had taught her something–Eric was surprisingly manageable, as long as she steered clear of mentioning breakup or crossing paths with Linda.

She replied sharply. “If that’s your idea, you might as well forget it right now. The things you said to ma th day–they still sting Don’t assume I’ve let it go.”

DO%

Chapter 206 What is Dad

said? That’s-” Immediately, Eric scrambled

skeptically. “Are you denying

quietly, shoulders sinking as he admitted, “No, you’re

her of being wilful, overbearing–even

closed her eyes. “Just

“Alright.”

Eric knew there was

stop here. Your car always attracts

was terrified he might bump into Joy if he drove inside.

out strolling with Melba at this hour, increasing the odds of an awkward encounter.. Scooping up her bag. Hadley quickly

“Be careful!”

out after her, “Send me

“I will!”

Hadley casually waved a hand, her voice

vivid red coat–newly collected from FOUR Hours her long

fixed on the empty street long after she’d vanished, finally pulling

wondered bitterly what to do with the rest of his suddenly

the steering wheel until something ahead caught his eye. He

just see correctly? Was his mind playing

through him. He backed up slightly for another look–and this time, there was no doubt. It was

where Hadley resided, a modest neighborhood known not for luxurious amenities, but for its sprawling riverside park.

every day to

other neighborhood kids gathered too, often escorted

herself

through the park as the grown–ups sat

What

watching the children having fun.

of only two girls in the group–her sweet personality quickly winning over everyone around her.

clearly determined to catch her

brought this for you.”

a bright, unfamiliar candy, wrapped in shiny paper she had never seen before.

good?” she asked,

best candy

peeled off the wrapper like a

“Ah.”

letting him drop the candy onto her

do you think?”

Joy smiled, her eyes curving, “It’s sweet and sour, really tasty. It’s

really liked

tomorrow. My dad bought tons from his trip, so I

on his fingers, eager but

by one of the words he’d used. “What’s that word you said… ‘dad‘? What’s

boy stared back blankly. “Well, my dad is