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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“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 between

Ernest being so particular? Linda herself didn’t mind, yet he was the one making

secretly pleased with his overprotectiveness.

out for me, but I really like her design. It’s fine… I’m not the petty type. Let’s

voice held a note of hesitation. “I just don’t want anything ruining your mood. A wedding should be

how could I possibly be in

curved with warmth, her smile soft. “As long as you

sigh in defeat, “You really like her

to relent. “We’ll do as you wish

you’re the best!”

placed a quick kiss on

quickly lowered her gaze, feeling more than a little

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

he’d make sure she

“Elissa!”

at the

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

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

look forward to seeing

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225 Follow That

playful response made Ernest frown slightly. Who would’ve thought Elissa had this

put it nicely, she was

it bluntly… she was a bit of a

was exactly why she had managed to get

night at Flynn Mansion…

work, so Hadley retired to her old bedroom alone. As she stepped inside, she noticed

handed it to her earlier when he felt warm, absentmindedly

from the bed, intending to return it to his room.

she moved, something small pressed against her palm.

Huh?

inner pocket, and

Sleek. Elegant. Expensive–looking.

bracelet? Had Eric… secretly

kind of peace offering

better of her.

flipped open the lid–only to be met with… A pair

stared. Why would he get

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

features were bright and confident–not exactly the delicate, cutesy type. Hair clips like

her head, Hadley placed them back into the box, closed the lid, and slipped it into his pocket.

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