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

Chapter 637:

“Seriously?” Eric’s disbelief turned colder, sharper. “That’s it?”

A sharp scoff escaped Eric, his disbelief turning into something colder, sharper. “I waited for you all night, Hadley,” he said, his voice edged with restrained anger. “And you ditched me—for a housemate?”

“Yes,” Hadley lowered her gaze, her fingers curling slightly in her lap. She knew she had let him down. She had broken their plans, and he had every right to be upset.

And yet—she couldn’t risk pushing him too far right now.

So instead, she softened her voice, reaching for whatever fragile truce she could manage. Hadley inhaled deeply, steadying herself before meeting Eric’s gaze.

Her voice was quiet but sincere. “I’m sorry for not showing up. It was my fault… I—”

“Save it,” Eric’s voice sliced through her apology, sharp with frustration.

“Just tell me the truth, Hadley,” he pressed, his eyes fixed on her, unrelenting. “What was so important that you blew me off? That you couldn’t even pick up the damn phone?”

in her lap. She averted her gaze,

snapped. “What kind of answer is

instinctively tightened around her shoulders, not in anger, but in sheer

to you, Hadley?” His voice was rough, unsteady—a storm barely contained. “You disappear on me, ignore me all night—and I don’t even deserve a real answer? Do

had spent the

fear that something had happened to her and the fury that she had completely disregarded their plans.

was refusing

boyfriend. Do I mean nothing to you?” His voice dropped, raw

than a whisper, she murmured,

was it?

lips curled into a cold, humorless chuckle—a hollow sound that carried no amusement, only resignation. His expression shifted, his gaze hardening as if something inside

grip on Hadley, his hands shifting to the steering

finally broke the heavy silence. “Are you

momentarily caught off guard, blinked before nodding quickly. “Of

couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling curling in her chest. His