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 to justify himself.

Hadley tilted her head skeptically. “Are you

sinking as he admitted, “No, you’re right.”

then, he’d accused her of being wilful,

smirked, leaned back, and closed her eyes. “Just take me to my

“Alright.”

there was

stop. “You can stop here. Your car

terrified he might bump into Joy if

usually be out strolling with Melba at this hour, increasing the odds of an awkward encounter.. Scooping

“Be careful!”

“Send me a text or give me a call when you

“I will!”

back, Hadley casually waved a hand, her voice fading softly

Eric watched her disappear, easily spotting her vivid red coat–newly collected from FOUR Hours her long hair dancing gently in the breeze.

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

the road, he wondered bitterly what to do with the rest of his suddenly

wheel until something ahead caught his eye. He suddenly slammed

correctly? Was his mind playing

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

the city’s winding river sat the apartment complex where Hadley resided, a modest neighborhood known not for luxurious amenities, but for its

every day to socialize and

kids gathered too, often escorted by grandparents or caretakers much

herself

shouts echoed through the park as the grown–ups sat together on benches,

What

the

girls in the group–her

clearly determined to catch her attention.

look–1 brought this for you.”

tiny palm sat a bright, unfamiliar candy, wrapped in

good?” she asked, eyes

the best

off the wrapper like a little gentleman.

“Ah.”

her lips trustingly, letting him drop

you think?”

sour, really tasty. It’s my first time having this candy.”

liked it?”

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

clumsily on his fingers, eager but unsure.

of the words he’d

back blankly. “Well,