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

things I said? That’s-” Immediately, Eric scrambled to

her head skeptically. “Are you denying it?”

as

he’d accused her of being wilful, overbearing–even

Hadley smirked, leaned back, and closed her eyes.

“Alright.”

over it. Eric knew there was

him to stop. “You can stop

was terrified he might bump into Joy if

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

“Be careful!”

window, calling out after her, “Send me a text or give me

“I will!”

casually waved a hand, her voice fading softly into the crisp

her vivid red coat–newly collected from FOUR Hours her long hair

whispered to himself, eyes fixed on the empty street long after she’d vanished, finally pulling away only when

bitterly what to do with the rest of his

ahead caught his eye. He

correctly? Was

jolt shot through him. He backed up slightly for another look–and this

a modest neighborhood known not for luxurious amenities, but for its

brought Joy there every day to socialize and

gathered too, often escorted by grandparents

herself

as the grown–ups sat together

206 What Is Dad

the

them, being one of only two girls in the group–her sweet personality quickly winning over

little boy approached her eagerly, clearly determined

this for you.”

palm sat a bright, unfamiliar candy, wrapped in shiny paper she had

she

best candy ever.”

and peeled off the wrapper like a

“Ah.”

lips trustingly, letting him drop the candy onto

you

eyes curving, “It’s sweet and sour, really tasty. It’s my first time having this

liked

bounced enthusiastically. “I’ll bring even more tomorrow. My dad bought tons from his trip, so I can share two–wait, five–with you…”

started counting clumsily on his fingers, eager

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

stared back blankly. “Well, my dad is just my dad.”