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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car with care. Seeing the strain on her grandson’s

Ernest with purpose.

handle this strain,” she said firmly. “Come back home

his voice laced

leaving 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 straightaway- Linda might not heed your words

final words were aimed squarely at Ernest, her gaze steady

feels like too much to ask of Eric. It’s late, and

bear after all…”

unwilling to entertain his self–imposed isolation. “You’re brothers, Ernest. And brothers take care of each other. If something happens to you,

Do as I

her patience thinning. “Well? What are you standing

Mrs. Flynn!” Quentin replied briskly, snapping

was roused from slumber by the insistent trill of his phone. He cast a quick glance at

stirring, though

mumbled.

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

matter?”

he relayed the night’s events. “Your brother is running on fumes, and Mrs.

his temples, a

no trouble. I’ll head over right

Flynn,”

and let out a long, burdened breath. For his

the question lingered–how would he explain this to

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 the call? Can we go back to sleep now? Turn off the light, please—it’s

unease, “I need to step

over to face Eric, concern

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hour?”

hunt

gently, his tone soft as a whisper.

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

Eric hurriedly shook his head, offering both comfort and

Hadley pressed, her brow furrowing as she sought answers. “Isn’t the Flynn

hung in the air, leaving Eric

reply as their gazes locked

like a dawn breaking through the fog, Hadley

at her lips.

question and more a

fingers tightening around her hand.

as a still

Don’t linger here explaining–just

blinked, caught off guard by her composure. “You’re not

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

of conflicted emotions, answering more than words ever could.

Hadley said with a faint smile. “Whether I’m upset or not wouldn’t

it?”

her touch light but firm. “Go on now.

Eric hesitated, searching her face for

voice cool. “It’s late,

going.”

the undercurrent of her displeasure beneath her composed

the

I’ll be

smile soft as she nodded

moved to the closet to change. When

to him