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

Chapter 538:

Eric sighed, utterly defeated by her stubborn charm. He didn’t stay much longer, quickly retreating to the study to deal with his work.

As soon as he stepped out, Hadley’s playful facade faded. She tossed the tablet aside and sank deeper into confusion. Her thoughts twisted painfully, circling the same impossible question: could Eric actually have feelings for her?

It seemed so improbable—yet, given his recent actions… what if it was true after all? Hadley was young and resilient, and thanks to Eric’s careful attention…

She’d regained most of her strength after only two days of rest. The bruises were fading, though a bandage still wrapped around her right hand, a lingering trace of that injury.

Word of her accident had quickly spread through the dance troupe. Everyone knew she had some kind of connection with Eric Flynn. Blanche was still recovering and had yet to return, so the temporary manager thoughtfully adjusted Hadley’s schedule—placing her performances earlier so she could leave promptly and rest properly.

For two evenings straight, Eric had personally picked her up and brought her back to Silver Villas. His reasoning was simple: her injuries weren’t fully healed, and she needed care. Yet Hadley knew better. Now that Eric had discovered her new apartment, she didn’t dare risk returning there and having him uncover Joy’s existence. Her safest option was to play along and stay at Silver Villas until everything calmed down.

That evening, Eric arrived promptly after her performance, waiting outside as usual. The moment Hadley settled into the passenger seat, he leaned over and fastened her seatbelt, eyes full of gentle amusement. “I’ll take you to eat something nice later.”

glanced at him suspiciously. “What are

your diet. I’m not reckless enough to sabotage

𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹 𝘁𝗲𝘅𝘁 𝗳𝗿𝗼𝗺 𝘄𝘄𝘄⸱𝗀𝖺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝗍𝖊𝗅𝗌⧸ⅽ𝗈𝗺

finally nodded, curiosity

it a

hidden gems. The restaurant he chose was tucked away in a lively downtown alley—a place Hadley

as they exited the car, she

“Wait—was that Elissa?”

are you looking

“Hold on.”

eyes narrowing toward the direction Elissa had hurried off to. “Is

like it,” Eric answered casually, glancing at the glowing sign.

at a hotel this