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.

brushed the handle, instinct made him glance back.

moved. She still sat in the same place,

she looked so much like

stabbed through Cade’s chest. But instead of lingering, he forced

it still ringing in her ears. And then, gradually, it melted away, replaced by

trainees‘ session that she

the day, Hadley changed into her casual clothes

Without much thought, she made her way

absentmindedly browsed through the arrangements, reaching out to touch the soft petals. Just then, her phone buzzed

“Hi!”

Hadley!” Eric’s voice was light, almost cheerful, as if he were in an unusually good mood. “Where are you?

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

today. There was a meeting, but nothing major, so

tone softened slightly, turning almost playful. “I wrapped up early to spend time with you. Are you happy?” Hadley

effortlessly dodging the question. “I’m

Eric’s voice was evident. “Where did you

buy flowers,” she answered flatly.

brisk and detached, “I have other plans today. You should go back to work–we’ll

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209 Short

that, she

stared at his phone,

up. Just like that.

“That

more impossible to predict. And the worst part? He

indifferent to Eric’s reaction.

really couldn’t take it anymore and wanted to break

wrap these

florist smiled, carefully gathering the bouquet–a mix

“Please

in hand as she approached

$136 in total. Thank

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

“There you are!”

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

the look in his eyes filled with quiet confidence. “When you really

florists around–figured I’d check a few, and here

Damn.

sighed, already regretting mentioning it earlier.

florist

that!” Before Hadley could take them, Eric smoothly intercepted, gathering the flowers in one arm while

go,” he said

have the time or

she had never intended to go back

seemed to

annoyed? Good. That was exactly what

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