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.

at the study

snapped up as the door swung

He bit down on his tongue. Pain shot through him.

indeed

she drew nearer, her sigh soft

her eyelashes casting delicate shadows as she said

have you eaten? I’ve made some pasta.

he swallowed the

hadn’t left. Instead, she had prepared a

next words were resolute. “I

moment, Hadley was left speechless, her frustration evident. Pleasing him seemed an impossible task.

everything myself–it’s not like the ones at restaurants.

merely raised an

and pulling him toward the door. “I bet you’ll

Hadley guided him to

pasta were neatly arranged–one noticeably

portion awaited her. She was cautious about her diet, particularly avoiding

haven’t

Hadley confirmed with a slight shook of her head.

“Tsk.”

of his tongue, Eric

meal?”

sarcastic joke, “Was your housemate too stingy to offer you a

there to

then scooped up some broth and brought it towards his lips, coaxing, “Try the soup

at his lips warily, pausing momentarily before relenting and

gentle smile, her eyes sparkling as she asked, “Do

tickle in his throat and gave a slight nod. “Mm.”

Kiss

of the

of pasta. “I’ve really outdone myself with

mouth to accept

twinkling with delight.

nodded, impressed by the pasta’s perfect

he asked, “Where did

privileged circles of the Flynn family, Hadley had never needed

recalled the challenging times in Blathe that had honed her culinary skills. Yet, she replied cheerily, “Oh, my grandmother taught me when I

did well, Eric said. “She taught you

her hand, gesturing towards her plate. “Let me handle this. You eat too. It’s not as good when it gets cold.”

“Alright.”

quiet spell as they both focused on their meals.

polish off his serving quickly, though he maintained his usual elegant

using a napkin to wipe his mouth before reclining slightly

brow furrowed in concern. “Was that enough for

prepared;

something else

hand, prepared to rise from