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.

the handle, instinct made

hadn’t moved. She still sat in the same place, eyes locked on

she looked so much like her mother.

lingering, he forced himself to step through the doorway

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

trainees‘ session that she supervised

further obligations for the day, Hadley changed into her casual clothes

needed air. Without much thought, she made her way to a

touch the soft petals. Just

“Hi!”

in an unusually good mood. “Where are you? I’m at your dance studio.”

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

There was a meeting, but nothing major, so I decided

turning almost playful. “I wrapped up early to spend time with you. Are you happy?” Hadley scoffed quietly.

the question. “I’m not at

Eric’s voice was evident. “Where did

buy flowers,” she answered

“I have other plans today. You

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209 Short Fuse

with that, she hung

at his

Just like that.

irritation bubbling to the surface. “That woman is really getting

impossible to predict. And the worst part? He had no idea how to handle it.

remained utterly indifferent to Eric’s reaction. If he was

it anymore and wanted

these for me?”

mix of elegant lilies and soft

course,” the florist replied. “Please wait just a

Hadley inquired, phone in hand as she approached

be $136 in total. Thank you.”

she was about to pay, the doorbell chimed softly, signaling someone’s entrance. Hadley barely had time to react before Eric stepped inside, heading straight

“There you are!”

you doing here?” She turned to face him, startled. “How did you even

look in his eyes filled with quiet confidence. “When you really want to find someone, it’s not difficult.” He gestured around the shop.

buying flowers. There aren’t many florists around–figured I’d check a few, and here you

Damn.

sighed, already regretting mentioning it earlier.

The florist approached, handing over the bouquets.

smoothly intercepted, gathering the flowers

he

gave him a pointed look. “I don’t have the time or the patience for a

she had never intended to go

to dip slightly, the corners of his lips

he annoyed? Good. That was exactly what she

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