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

tilted her head skeptically. “Are you

as he admitted, “No,

of

leaned back, and closed her eyes.

“Alright.”

gotten over it. Eric knew there was nothing else to do

can stop here. Your car always attracts extra attention at security,

bump into Joy

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!”

me a text or give me a call when you reach

“I will!”

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

disappear, easily spotting her vivid red coat–newly collected from FOUR Hours her

to himself, eyes fixed on the empty street long after she’d vanished, finally pulling away only when he could no

the road, he wondered bitterly what to do with

on the steering wheel until something ahead caught

Was his mind

another look–and this time, there was no doubt. It was Joy. He hadn’t

apartment complex where Hadley resided, a modest neighborhood known not

day to

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

herself

park as the grown–ups sat

What Is

the children having fun.

in

her eagerly, clearly determined to catch her attention.

look–1 brought this

wrapped in shiny paper

she asked, eyes sparkling.

best candy

earnestly and peeled off the wrapper like a

“Ah.”

trustingly, letting him drop the candy onto her

you think?”

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

liked it?”

dad bought tons from his trip,

started counting clumsily on his

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

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