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

Chapter 958:

“No,” Hadley replied, taking a seat across from him. “You’re too early. Perfect timing though…” She met his gaze directly. “I need to talk to you about something.”

“What is it?” Eric asked, flashing an easy smile, oblivious to what was coming. “I’m listening.”

“Well…” Hadley pressed her lips together, her tone gentle but firm. “I was wondering if, when you’re up for it, you could visit the hospital? Not now, of course—once you’re stronger.”

Eric’s smile wavered. “Hospital? For what?”

Hadley looked down, drawing a slow breath. “For Joy,” she said simply.

“What?” Eric blinked, still lost. “Can you break that down?”

“Alright…” Once she began, there was no backing out. Though the words weighed heavy, she pushed forward for Joy’s sake. She took a deep breath and then said, “I can’t have kids right now. When I’m able, if there’s still no other option, I think… Joy needs a sibling.”

pieces clicked for Eric. This

His face tightened, the grin vanishing. “You want to

nodded, a weight lifting now that

settled in Eric’s chest, unsure if it was disappointment… But after a moment’s thought, it made sense. Before, he was unaware of Hadley’s true emotions, yet she remained by his side for Joy’s well-being. At present, he already knew Hadley harbored no affection for him, so it stood

forehead creased, bewilderment etching deep lines. “Isn’t this all

flickering briefly aside. “I’ve been weighing the perfect moment to raise this, and now

ve l s .

convenient for me?” Eric’s expression shadowed, a gnawing unease settling in despite his grasp slipping. “What

pivoted. “You’re aware your

nod. “And? What’s the connection between these two

eyed him closely, wondering if he was

it,” Eric pressed, impatience sharpening his

playing on her lips. “Linda was once your brother’s fiancée—off-limits, out of reach. But

by the sheer absurdity of her words. What was running

the mug from the table, took a sip, and pressed on. “Ernest will