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

Chapter 240 The Hunt For

Linda

“Linda!”

In that fleeting moment, Ernest glimpsed the wild frenzy dancing in Linda’s eyes,

He swiftly passed little Locke into Nyla’s waiting arms. “Locke, my dear boy, Daddy has some urgent matters to attend to, so you’ll stay with your great–grandmother for a spell.”

Turning to Nyla with a heavy heart, Ernest began, “Grandma…”

“No need to explain, child. I understand perfectly.” Nyla reassured him with a knowing nod. “Go on now, dod’s

fret. Locke is safe in my care.”

“Thank you, Grandma!” Ernest’s voice carried the weight of gratitude.

“Off with you,” Nyla said warmly, cradling a bewildered Locke in her arms. She softened her tone, soothing the boy with the tenderness only a great–grandmother could muster. “No need to be frightened, Locke. This is grown–up business, nothing for you to worry over. Let’s head home with great–grandma, shall we?”

Children had a keen sense for recognizing genuine affection, and Locke could feel the warmth radiating from Nyla. He gave a small, trusting nod.

“That’s my good lad,” Nyla murmured, guiding him gently. “Let’s be on our way.”

Linda tore out like a woman possessed, leaping into her car and peeling off into the night without a backward

glance.

The orphanage sat perched atop a hill, and by the time Ernest and his men gave chase, Linda had vanished into the shadows like a ghost in the wind.

That night, Ernest was utterly spent.

His body, still mending from a years–long coma he had only emerged from mere months ago, protested with every step. His legs throbbed, and a dull ache pulsed in his temples.

Quentin, ever observant, took note of his struggle. “Mr. Flynn, why don’t you head back and catch some rest?

Leave the search for Miss Harris to me.”

Ernest’s brow knitted together, worry etched deep into his features.

“Even if you find her, Quentin, I fear she won’t come back willingly.”

Quentin couldn’t muster a counter to that grim truth.

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Seeing the strain on her grandson’s

Ernest with purpose.

she said firmly. “Come back home with

Ernest began, his voice laced

no room for argument. Turning to Quentin, she issued her orders with the decisiveness of a seasoned matriarch. “Get in touch with Eric Have him come here

were aimed squarely at Ernest, her

much to ask of Eric. It’s late, and this mess is my

bear after all…”

you dare talk like that,” Nyla cut in sharply, unwilling to entertain his self–imposed isolation. “You’re brothers, Ernest. And brothers take care of each other. If something happens to

as

shot Quentin a pointed look, her patience thinning. “Well? What are you standing around

Mrs. Flynn!” Quentin replied briskly, snapping into

cloaked in stillness, Eric was roused from slumber by the insistent trill

already stirring, though

mumbled.

whispered, slipping out of the room with the phone pressed to his ear.

matter?”

tone apologetic as he relayed the night’s events. “Your brother is running on fumes, and Mrs. Flynn insisted I

Eric rubbed his

trouble. I’ll

obliged, Mr. Flynn,” Quentin

call and let out a long, burdened breath. For his brother, for

question lingered–how would he

“Hadley…” Hadley, still facing away from him, her eyes shut, murmured groggily, “Done with the

with unease, “I need to step out for a bit.”

to face Eric, concern flickering across her features.

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hour?”

TO THE hunt for Linda

Eric admitted, taking her hand gently, his tone soft as a whisper. “It’s Ernest. He is caught in a bit of

him?” Hadley asked, her worry deepening.

concern etched on her face, Eric hurriedly shook his head, offering both comfort and

furrowing as she sought answers. “Isn’t the

in the air, leaving Eric momentarily at a loss

grappling with how to reply as their gazes locked in a quiet, unspoken

like a dawn breaking through the fog, Hadley seemed

knowing smile tugged at her

were less a question and more a quiet realization,

fingers tightening around her hand.

then,” Hadley interjected, her voice steady as a still

linger here explaining–just go.”

off guard by her

a sudden

of conflicted emotions, answering more than words ever

I’m upset or not wouldn’t change a

it?”

his and gave him a nudge, her touch light but firm.

Eric hesitated, searching her face for something–anything–to

her voice cool.

going.”

the undercurrent of her displeasure beneath

ignore the

I’ll be

smile soft

change. When he returned, Hadley had already settled

him once