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

Chapter 225 Follow That

Car

Ernest walked into the room with graceful ease, Linda’s hand resting lightly in his arm. But the moment his eyes lifted toward the person waiting inside, his steps slowed.

His brows knitted together, his gaze narrowing slightly.

Her?

Linda’s reaction was far less composed. “You?”

Elissa straightened instinctively, hands clasped neatly in front of her, though there was a trace of nervousness in her posture. “Hello, Mr. Flynn. Hello, Miss Harris.”

To be honest, when she first submitted her design, it had been more of a hopeful gesture than a serious expectation.

She hadn’t actually thought she would be chosen. Yet, here she was. Standing before the couple right now. Elissa’s lips pressed together, the weight of past conflict settling over her. She had once offended Linda. And now she was here, presenting herself as the designer for her wedding dress.

Linda’s gaze lingered on Elissa, a flicker of unease in her expression. Why did it have to be her?

“What’s the matter?” Ernest’s voice broke through the tension, his sharp eyes flicking to Linda.

Ernest was fully aware of the history between the two women.

And truth be told, he didn’t particularly want to deal with Elissa either.

Without hesitation, he tightened his hold on Linda’s hand and spoke with quiet finality. “If you’re uncomfortable, we can always choose another designer.”

With those words, he shut Elissa out completely–before the conversation had even begun. The dismissal was blunt. Absolute.

Elissa’s smile faltered, the warmth in her expression cooling. She had expected this. It seemed her efforts had been for nothing after all.

She forced a small, humorless chuckle. “If Mr. Flynn insists, then I won’t overstay my welcome.”

With a quiet nod, she reached for her bag, ready to leave.

“Wait!” Linda hesitated for a beat, and then exhaled. “We’ve had our differences, but I don’t mix business with personal matters. I chose your design because I liked it, so let’s move forward professionally. Consider this a collaboration–let’s leave the past where it belongs. Is that alright?”

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< Chapter 225 Follow That Car

“Of course-” A flicker of relief crossed Elissa’s face, her eyes brightening as she prepared to answer.

“Linda, please.”

Ernest’s voice cut in, cool and measured. “A wedding dress is an important thing. It’s not just about the design. -it requires countless discussions for details and fittings in the days that follow. You don’t have to work with. someone you’re not comfortable with. Don’t force yourself–there are plenty of talented designers out there.”

Elissa’s breath hitched.

hung

the one making a big deal out of it.

Linda was secretly pleased

you’re just looking out for me, but I really

don’t want anything ruining your mood. A wedding should be

how could I possibly be in

her smile soft. “As long as you love

with her unwavering affection, Ernest could only sigh in defeat, “You really like her design that much?” Linda nodded

so.” Ernest had no choice but to relent. “We’ll do as you wish and give her a

you’re the

her tiptoes, Linda placed a quick

lowered her gaze, feeling more than a little

confirmed one thing–Ernest absolutely doted on Linda. All she had to do was bat her lashes, pout a

he’d

“Elissa!”

snapped to attention at the sound of her name.

she met Linda’s gaze. “Miss Harris, if there’s anything you need, just let me know.” Linda chuckled, amused. “I didn’t realize you had such a sense of humor.” Then, with a graceful nod, she added, “Let’s put the past behind us. I’ll trust you

truly generous! I’ll do everything I can to

look forward to seeing what you

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225 Follow That

frown slightly. Who would’ve thought

nicely, she was adaptable.

bluntly… she was a

again, maybe that was exactly why she had managed to get by so

at Flynn Mansion…

was still buried in work, so Hadley retired to her old bedroom alone. As she stepped inside, she noticed something–Eric’s coat was

earlier when he felt warm, absentmindedly passing it

bed, intending to return it

she moved, something small pressed against her palm.

Huh?

into the inner pocket, and she pulled out a

Sleek. Elegant. Expensive–looking.

A necklace? A bracelet? Had Eric…

kind of peace offering for dragging her along today?

the better of her.

the lid–only to be met with… A

Why would he get her hair

one and held it against her hair, studying her reflection in the mirror. “Does this

the delicate, cutesy type. Hair clips like these? They

Hadley placed them back into the box, closed the

fine jewelry–most of which she