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

Chapter 834:

Elissa blinked. The coolness in his voice, the emotional distance—it caught her off guard. She sat down slowly, unsure of herself.

What was she supposed to do? Maybe small talk? Her hands fidgeted in her lap, and her nerves rose. That was when Hadley arrived.

“Hadley!” Elissa stood immediately as her friend entered the room. Relief flooded her voice. “It’s good to see you!”

“Hi, Elissa.” Hadley crossed the room with quick, purposeful steps and gently looped her arm through Elissa’s. “I’m so sorry I couldn’t be here last night.”

“It’s fine,” Elissa said, her voice softer now, comforted by the familiar presence. She smiled, her gaze drifting toward Ernest on the sofa. “Thanks to Mr. Flynn, everything’s already been arranged.”

Hadley smiled toward Ernest. “Yes, he’s been incredibly helpful. Ernest, sorry to trouble you again.”

cool, as always. Without another glance, he stood

“is

makes you

openness. “Well, ever since I woke up yesterday… I’ve been doing all the talking.

herself with a thoughtful frown. “Actually, no—he said things like ‘okay’ and ‘fine’ a couple of times. I can’t really see his expressions, but… I just feel like maybe he’s annoyed with me. Like

behind a warm smile. “No, no—it’s nothing like that. That’s just Ernest.

a soft breath of relief. “Oh, that’s good. I was thinking… if I’m too much of a burden, maybe

of the kindest people I’ve ever known. He

see.” Elissa tilted her head thoughtfully, then smiled. “That makes sense. He doesn’t even know me, but he’s helping me anyway.” A memory surfaced, and her smile deepened. “He even drove me home once… He didn’t say much then either. I guess… he’s just the

see was well-known, with limited appointments that typically required a month’s notice. For patients needing surgery, the waiting list stretched to

with a thoughtful nod. “The

in delight and immediately