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

Chapter 480:

A slow smile played on her lips as she turned back to face him, extending her hand. “Deal.”

What was that? Did she think this was some kind of business arrangement?

Eric let out a quiet, breathless laugh, shaking his head in exasperation. Still, he took her hand, but instead of shaking it, he brought it to his lips, pressing a lingering kiss against her skin.

With a sigh, he murmured, “Hadley…”

She didn’t trust him—not yet. But that was fine. Time would prove everything. For now, at least, she was his.

That night, after the performance wrapped up, it was no surprise to find Eric waiting outside the studio.

He had been there for a while, leaning against his car, a cigarette smoldering between his fingers. The streetlights cast long shadows, and when he caught sight of Hadley stepping out, he lifted a hand in a casual wave.

She hesitated for a beat before walking over, her brows knitting together as she lifted a hand to block the drifting smoke.

a word, pressed the cigarette against a nearby trash can, extinguishing it. “Not a fan of

don’t like the smell,”

it.” He exhaled to the side, as if expelling the last traces of nicotine from his

open the car door.

intrigued. “Where are we going? You

maintain her figure for work—strict discipline was

new favorite stories

hand on the roof of the car, smirking. “Relax. I promise you’ll

Hadley considered her options.

in uncertainty. Without another word, she slid into the passenger seat. The drive was quiet, and soon, the urban glow faded, replaced by the open expanse of

“We’re here.”

stepped out first, circling around to open the door for

she took in the view. Were

on,” he said

dock toward a sleek yacht

and Barrie—already lounging on the deck, drinks in