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

I said? That’s-” Immediately, Eric

tilted her head skeptically. “Are you denying

shoulders sinking as he

her of being wilful, overbearing–even

leaned back, and closed her eyes. “Just take

“Alright.”

knew there was nothing else to do but reluctantly drive her home.

stop. “You can stop here. Your car always attracts

he might bump into

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 began jogging into the neighborhood.

“Be careful!”

“Send me a text or give me a

“I will!”

a hand, her voice fading softly into the crisp winter

his vantage point, Eric watched her disappear, easily spotting her vivid red coat–newly collected

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

what to do with

on the steering wheel until something ahead caught his eye. He suddenly slammed on the

see correctly? Was his mind playing tricks?

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

modest neighborhood known not for luxurious amenities, but for its sprawling riverside

there every day to socialize and

kids gathered too, often escorted by grandparents or caretakers much like Melba

herself

park as the grown–ups sat together

206 What

watching the children

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

approached her eagerly, clearly determined

this for you.”

bright, unfamiliar candy, wrapped in shiny paper

it taste good?” she asked,

the best candy

wrapper like a

“Ah.”

her lips trustingly, letting him drop the candy

you think?”

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

liked

little boy bounced enthusiastically. “I’ll bring even more tomorrow. My dad bought tons from his trip, so

his fingers, eager but

thoughtfully, confused by one of the words he’d used. “What’s

himself, the boy stared back blankly. “Well,