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

Chapter 728:

Then, just like that, he stood up, ready to leave—ready to run.

Before he could take a step, Linda’s fingers clamped around his tiny arm. Not rough, but firm.

Her voice dipped, low and sharp, a far cry from the gentle act she’d been putting on. “Listen to me, Locke, I’m going to marry your father. That means—whether you like it or not—I will be your mother.”

“No! Let me go!” the boy cried, yanking at his arm, his small body twisting in panic.

Terror surged through him, and without thinking, he ran.

He sprinted blindly, breath coming in quick gasps—until he crashed into Nyla’s legs.

“Locke? What happened?”

way his small hands clutched at Nyla—the way his body trembled against her—said everything.

“Locke!”

expression dark with frustration. Her anger flickered, replaced momentarily by surprise when

of Nyla, Locke didn’t hesitate—he burrowed deeper into her embrace, his small body trembling as he turned his back

was painfully clear. Everyone in the Flynn family knew—Linda had

okay, honey.” Nyla’s voice was a soothing whisper, laced

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love. Instead, he had spent three years in hardship, growing up in a world that never made room for him. Alone. Forgotten. Unwanted. The weight of

here, Locke. There’s no reason to be

as she glared at Nyla. “What are you trying to say? Are you implying that I hurt him, and that’s why he’s

head with quiet disappointment. “That’s not what I meant,” she said, her voice gentle but firm. “Locke is just a child. He’s

softened as she looked down at the boy nestled against her, his small frame rigid with fear. “He’s still learning. Don’t take

struck Linda like a slap. Color flushed and drained from her face in

exactly how much Nyla adored