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

Hadley tilted her head skeptically.

as he admitted, “No, you’re right.”

her of

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

“Alright.”

over it. Eric knew there was nothing else to

the gate, Hadley gestured him to stop. “You can stop here. Your car always attracts extra attention at security, and it’s

she was terrified he might bump into Joy if he drove

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!”

her, “Send me a text or give me a

“I will!”

waved a hand, her voice fading softly into

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

Eric whispered to himself, eyes fixed on the empty street long after she’d vanished,

aimlessly along the road, he wondered bitterly what to

ahead caught his eye.

just see correctly? Was his

this time,

apartment complex where Hadley resided, a modest

day

gathered too, often escorted by

herself

as the grown–ups sat together on benches,

What

watching the

them, being one of only two girls in

her eagerly, clearly determined

look–1 brought this for

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

it taste good?” she asked,

best

and peeled off the wrapper like a little gentleman.

“Ah.”

him drop the candy onto her tongue.

you

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

liked it?”

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

started counting clumsily on his fingers,

words he’d used. “What’s

stared back blankly. “Well,