Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You Can't Afford Me by Thedora Birnir

Chapter 209

Chapter 209 Short Fuse

The man standing before Hadley was the one she was supposed to call father. And look at what he’d done!

Once, Cade had sworn undying love to his wife, whispered sweet promises of forever, and shared the kind of moments that should have been unbreakable. He had been overjoyed at Hadley’s birth, cradling her in his arms as if she were the most precious thing in the world.

But all of it–the love, the devotion–had been a lie.

One day, everything changed. He abandoned his wife and child for his wife’s sister without so much as a backward glance, leaving them to fend for themselves as if they had never mattered at all.

Not once did he look back. Not once did he reach out.

If the Flynn family hadn’t later taken Hadley in, she didn’t even want to imagine what her life would have become.

And now, after years of silence, after treating her like she didn’t exist–he had the gall to show up and ask her for a favor?

Not just any favor. He actually wanted her liver.

Hadley’s lips curled into a sharp, humorless laugh.

Did Cade really think she was that easy to manipulate?

Cade remained calm, unfazed by her reaction. His voice was smooth, practiced–like a salesman closing a deal. “Hadley, I wouldn’t ask you to do this for nothing.”

He paused, as if setting a trap. “The house on Maple Street–the one filled with your mother’s memories. If you agree, I’ll sign it over to you. That’s what you want, isn’t it?”

Hadley stilled, her breath catching.

So that was what this was. He wasn’t asking. He was bartering.

The laughter bubbled out of Hadley, sharp and unrestrained, growing louder until it filled the space between them.

Cade stiffened. “Hadley…”

There was an uneasiness in his voice, a flicker of hesitation.

Truthfully, he hadn’t wanted to come here.

If it weren’t for his son–if it weren’t for his wife Noreen relentlessly pushing him–he never would have swallowed his pride and sought out the daughter he had abandoned.

Deep down, he had known Hadley wouldn’t agree. He knew she would refuse him.

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Chapter 209 Short Fuse

And now, seeing the raw amusement on her face, watching her laugh as if his very presence was a joke, Cade immediately regretted coming. Grinding his teeth, he forced the words out. “I’m sorry, Hadley. Just… forget I said anything.”

“Hmm?” Hadley’s laughter halted abruptly. She tilted her head, regarding him with cold eyes. “What’s this? Not desperate to save your precious son anymore?”

Cade exhaled sharply and shook his head. “I’ll find another way!” he muttered. “Hadley, I–I shouldn’t have come. Just act like I was never here today.”

With that, he turned on his heel and strode toward the door.

handle, instinct made him

the same place, eyes locked on

looked so much like

stabbed through Cade’s chest. But instead of lingering, he forced himself to step through the

it still ringing in her ears. And then, gradually, it melted away, replaced by something deeper–something far heavier.

troupe, the trainees‘ session that she

Hadley changed into her casual clothes and left

thought, she made her way to a small flower shop

out to touch the soft petals. Just then, her phone buzzed in

“Hi!”

light, almost cheerful, as if he were in an

in surprise. “You are?” It was still early–wasn’t he supposed to be neck–deep in work

today. There was a meeting, but nothing major, so I decided to skip it. Phillips

slightly, turning almost playful. “I wrapped up early to spend time with you. Are

effortlessly dodging the question. “I’m not at the

was

to buy flowers,” she answered flatly.

brisk and detached, “I have other

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Short Fuse

that, she hung

stared at

up. Just

surface. “That woman

impossible to predict. And the worst

indifferent to Eric’s reaction. If

and wanted to break things off?

these for

florist smiled, carefully gathering the bouquet–a mix of elegant lilies and

“Please wait just

phone in hand as she approached the

be $136 in

about to pay, the doorbell chimed softly, signaling someone’s entrance. Hadley barely

“There you are!”

to face him, startled. “How did you even

look in his eyes filled with quiet confidence. “When you really want to find

were buying flowers. There aren’t many florists around–figured

Damn.

sighed, already regretting mentioning it earlier.

ready.” The florist approached, handing over the

smoothly intercepted, gathering the

go,” he said smoothly.

look. “I don’t have the time or

to go back to

seemed to dip slightly, the corners of his lips tightening

he annoyed? Good. That was exactly what

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