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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the car with care. Seeing the strain on her grandson’s face, she approached

Ernest with purpose.

strain,” she said firmly. “Come back home

his

argument. Turning to Quentin, she issued her orders with the decisiveness of a seasoned matriarch. “Get in touch with Eric Have him come here straightaway- Linda might not heed your words right now,

words were aimed squarely at Ernest, her gaze steady and resolute

to ask of Eric. It’s late,

bear after all…”

self–imposed isolation. “You’re brothers, Ernest.

Do as I say.”

thinning. “Well? What are you standing around

Mrs. Flynn!” Quentin replied briskly,

between three and four, when the world lay cloaked in stillness, Eric was roused from slumber by the insistent trill of his phone. He cast a quick glance at

sleeper, was already stirring, though her eyes remained closed. “Answer it

mumbled.

with the phone pressed to his ear. “Quentin, what’s the

matter?”

“Your brother is running on fumes, and Mrs. Flynn insisted I call you. I’m sorry

Eric rubbed his temples, a weary sigh

I’ll head

Flynn,”

long, burdened breath. For his brother, for Linda, he knew he had to step

the question lingered–how would he explain this to

bedroom door open and perched on the edge of the bed, hesitating before speaking. “Hadley…” Hadley, still facing away from him, her eyes shut, murmured groggily, “Done

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

and she rolled over to face Eric, concern flickering across her features.

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hour?”

TO THE hunt for

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

to him?” Hadley asked, her worry deepening. “Is he

face, Eric hurriedly shook his head, offering both comfort and clarity. “Ernest’s

furrowing as she sought

in the air, leaving Eric momentarily at

to reply as their gazes locked in a quiet, unspoken

the fog,

faint, knowing smile tugged at her lips. “It’s Linda,

more a quiet realization, delivered with calm certainty.

his fingers tightening around her

a still lake. “If they called you

here

by

the least.” Hadley offered a gentle smile, shaking her head, before her tone shifted with a sudden curiosity.

conflicted emotions, answering more than words ever

I’m upset or not

it?”

gave him a nudge, her touch light but firm. “Go

her face

turned her gaze toward the window, her voice cool. “It’s late, and I need my rest. You

going.”

the undercurrent of her displeasure beneath her composed

he couldn’t ignore the call

be off.”

murmured, her smile soft as she nodded

to change. When he returned, Hadley had

him