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

Chapter 937:

“It’s alright,” he replied gently, shaking his head. He looked at her again, noting how calm and composed she appeared. “I was in a serious accident a few years ago,” he said softly. “I’m still dealing with the aftermath. This place offers a quiet environment. I come here regularly to rest and recover.”

“I see,” Elissa murmured, quietly thoughtful. Despite his own struggles, he’d still leapt into freezing water to save her. That spoke volumes.

She reached out, found a small piece of candy from the plate, and extended it toward him. “Here. A little sweet for Christmas. Things will get better, you’ll see.”

Ernest accepted the candy, his fingers brushing hers for a moment. A slow smile tugged at his lips. “I hope so,” he said quietly. “Thank you.”

After the event wrapped up, Ernest quietly accompanied Elissa back to her house. When they reached her door, he gently reached out to stop her.

“Hold on a second,” he said.

Elissa turned toward him, curious. “What is it?”

coat pocket, Ernest pulled out a small box—the sleek pen case he’d been carrying earlier. He held it out

gift,” he said

caught off guard. “For

they’d known each other, it felt strange to

raised her hands, shaking her head. “I don’t think I

insisted gently. “It’s nothing extravagant. I got it from the company’s holiday party. I don’t need it, and

hesitated, but then slowly reached for the box. “Well… if you say so—thank

“You’re welcome.”

g αℓ

fingers brushed the case as she felt the contours of the box. “Wait… is this?” she

the object carefully, and her eyes widened with realization. “Is

is,” Ernest confirmed, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. “Wasn’t

her voice bubbling with

guess it