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.

words hung between

mind, yet he was the one making a big deal

secretly pleased with his overprotectiveness.

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

want anything ruining your mood. A wedding should be a

this much, how could I possibly be in a bad mood?”

soft. “As long as you love

only sigh in defeat, “You really like her design that much?” Linda nodded

Ernest had no choice but to relent. “We’ll do as

you’re the

Linda placed a quick kiss on his

gaze, feeling more

had to do was bat her lashes, pout a little,

Linda wanted, he’d make sure she got it.

“Elissa!”

at the sound of her name.

“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

“Miss Harris, you’re truly generous! I’ll do everything I can to make sure you’re the

seeing

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would’ve

it nicely, she

was a

exactly why she had managed to get by so far.

night at Flynn

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

to her earlier when he felt warm, absentmindedly passing it off without a

the bed, intending to return

moved, something small pressed against her palm.

Huh?

pocket, and she pulled out a small jewelry

Sleek. Elegant. Expensive–looking.

brows lifted slightly. A necklace? A bracelet? Had Eric… secretly bought

offering for dragging her along

better of her.

with… A pair of Minnie Mouse hair

stared. Why would he get

lifted one and held it against her hair, studying her reflection in the

type. Hair clips

head, Hadley placed them back into the box, closed the lid, and slipped it into

her with countless pieces of fine jewelry–most of which she had never even worn. So,