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

Chapter 212 Abduction

“What did I do now?”

Eric looked confused, hoping Ernest would elaborate.

Instead, Ernest simply shook his head and dismissed the conversation. “Never mind.”

“Ernest,” Eric’s curiosity grew, along with a sense of helplessness. “You can’t just start something and not finish it. What’s the mystery here? What are you hiding?”

Ernest chuckled, “Let’s save it for another time. Right now, I need to visit Linda at the hospital. Why don’t you go have dinner with Grandma?”

So this was about Linda.

“Alright,” Eric responded, nodding.

Yet, Eric was left with a nagging suspicion that Ernest was still hiding something from him.

What was bothering him so much that he couldn’t even share it?

Throughout the night, Eric’s thoughts were preoccupied with Hadley.

The following day, rather than going straight to his office, he detoured to her place.

Although he knew Hadley often visited the dance studio in the afternoons, he wanted to see how she was doing in the morning before heading to work.

He hesitated as he picked up his phone. Was it too early? Was Hadley even awake?

Despite wanting to go up to her apartment, Hadley had been clear that it wasn’t allowed, it wasn’t convenient.

Amidst his indecision, he spotted Hadley exiting the gate. She was briskly walking with a bag in hand, appearing somewhat hurried.

“Hadley!”

Eric quickly drove up and pulled over next to her. “Where are you off to? Hop in; I’ll give you a lift.”

“Thanks!”

Recognizing him, Hadley didn’t hesitate and climbed into the car.

As they drove off, Eric stole a glance at her. She looked a little tired, perhaps still groggy from sleep.

He asked, “You just got up?”

“Yep.

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Hadley paused, giving a nod as she glanced in the mirror. Was her late start that noticeable?

She couldn’t fall asleep until early morning, which led to her waking up late.

Unaware that the studio had temporarily stopped their performances, Melba hadn’t woken Hadley, assuming her usual schedule was in place.

urged Eric, “Could you

not only a cut in pay

“Got it.”

the traffic was thickening

at Hadley, concern evident in his voice. “Did

nodded, not in the mood

grabbed his phone and made a quick call. “Hey, it’s me. Swing by Grandma’s Kitchen, grab a batch of their donuts,

caught every

this

on, you’ll have something to munch on shortly. Donuts from

Indeed, they were.

had he

of emotions, Hadley responded with a

remainder of the

at the studio, Hadley quickly expressed her

the car swiftly.

on, the donuts will be here any second!”

“I’m not waiting!”

Hadley responded quickly, “I have to check in now! Appreciate the

into the

of only your gratitude?” Eric sighed, speaking to himself. “Skipping breakfast isn’t good for

you.”

concerned

and

their arrival.

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“Mr. Flynn!”

“Right here!”

bag, Eric instructed, “Please inform Phillips I’ll be delayed by

till I get

“Understood, Mr. Flynn.”

bag in hand, Eric proceeded

meant he

in the nick of time, barely two seconds

scheduled for the trainees, affording some free time. “Hadley.” The call came from the entrance of the locker

“Thanks!”

heads–up, Hadley grew curious about who awaited

east side door was typically used by staff and rarely known to visitors. Was

locker and proceeded to the east side

locker room,

where I can find Hadley?” he

heard she went to meet someone at

“Thanks a lot!”

at Elissa and

moment, impressed. Eric really did have a captivating smile, and his

was clear why Hadley might be drawn to someone like him.

the east side door, Hadley scanned the area, wondering who might

yet a dusty van parked nearby caught her attention. It

weeks.

noticed something unsettling about the van–it lacked