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 nearby trash can, extinguishing it. “Not a fan of

like the smell,”

He exhaled to the side, as if expelling the last traces of

that, he pulled open the car door.

intrigued. “Where are we going? You know I don’t eat

to maintain her figure for work—strict discipline

stories

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

Hadley considered her options.

the nature of their arrangement, playing coy felt pointless. Besides, she preferred when things moved forward rather than idling in uncertainty. Without another word, she slid into the passenger seat. The drive was quiet, and

“We’re here.”

first, circling around to open the door for her. “After

slightly as she took in the view.

on,” he

took her hand, leading her down the dock toward a sleek yacht bobbing under the moonlight.

familiar faces—Marshall and