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

Chapter 222 Kiss Me, Now

What could this possibly imply?

Hadley’s gaze lingered on Eric, trying to decipher if he was suggesting they break up.

A wave of panic washed over her. She said cautiously, “Eric…”

“Leave!”

There was a touch of sorrow in Eric’s eyes as he dismissed her with a tired gesture. “Go, quickly! Leave before I reconsider. Just go!”

Stunned, Hadley froze.

“Go!” Eric’s voice rose sharply, jolting Hadley. Her shoulders shook as she frowned, hesitated briefly, and then turned to leave.

Her footsteps echoed away, and the study door clicked shut behind her. Eric’s expression sharpened as he rose and made his way to the liquor cabinet.

The burn of the strong alcohol felt stark as he swallowed, pondering if anyone remembered what day it was.

It was his birthday–not the public figure Eric Flynn’s, but his, alone.

It seemed no one remembered anymore.

In earlier times, Linda would have stealthily presented him gifts and celebrated with him.

Those days had faded into silence…

Tonight, all he desired was to celebrate his birthday with someone special, but even that modest hope seemed out of reach.

And the very person he cared for, he had sent away.

Hadley was gone, wasn’t she?

It was bound to happen. After all, her staying had always felt forced.

The night was deep and dark outside. Could she possibly be safe?

Eric was filled with regret. Sending her away at such an hour was a mistake; he should have at least waited until morning.

He reached for his phone, intent on calling her.

Unlocking the screen, he hesitated and then shut it off.

Fear crept into his heart…

0.0%

Knock, knock.

was at the

head snapped up as the door swung open–it

expression unreadable, he watched her approach. He bit down

indeed

she murmured as she drew nearer, her sigh soft

hand, her eyelashes casting delicate shadows as she said gently, “You shouldn’t drink on

have you eaten? I’ve made some pasta. Would you

and he swallowed the lump forming in his throat.

had prepared a

next words were resolute.

Hadley was left speechless, her frustration evident. Pleasing him

saying, “I prepared everything myself–it’s not like

merely raised an eyebrow, noncommittal.

pulling him toward the door. “I bet you’ll find the pasta I made

guided him to the staircase.

the dining table, two plates of pasta were neatly arranged–one noticeably larger than

set before him, while the smaller portion awaited her. She was cautious about her diet, particularly avoiding late

furrowed. “You haven’t

confirmed with a slight shook

“Tsk.”

a click of his

meal?”

“Was your housemate too stingy

go there to eat,” she replied calmly.

fork and spoon, Hadley then scooped up some broth and brought

pausing momentarily

her eyes sparkling as she

his throat

222 Kiss Me,

the

she twirled a forkful of pasta. “I’ve really outdone myself

hesitation, Eric opened his mouth to accept

grin widened, her eyes twinkling with delight. “Good, isn’t

impressed by the

curiosity piqued, he asked, “Where did you pick up such cooking

the Flynn family, Hadley had never

her culinary skills. Yet, she replied cheerily, “Oh, my grandmother taught me when I was very

Eric said. “She

fork from her hand, gesturing towards her plate. “Let me handle this. You eat too. It’s not as good

“Alright.”

was a quiet spell as they both

to polish off his serving quickly, though he maintained his

a napkin to wipe his

brow furrowed in concern. “Was that

prepared; there wasn’t any more

I make something else

in hand, prepared to rise from