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

Chapter 968:

“Hadley, you’re even more insufferable than I imagined!” Linda’s voice cut through the moment like a blade, her arms crossed tightly over her chest as she stepped forward, eyes cold with disdain. “Do you get some twisted satisfaction from toying with Eric like this?” The words hit like a slap.

Hadley froze, stunned—then her eyes narrowed, sharp as steel.

“I’m toying with him?” she echoed, her voice low and incredulous. A bitter laugh slipped past her lips. “Unbelievable. This is what I get? After everything, I’m the villain? You know what? I’m done. I’ll get out of the way so the two of you can finally stop pretending. You can confess whatever lingering feelings you have and be together without anyone standing in your way.”

Eric stiffened, blindsided. Linda’s expression faltered, her confidence cracking. Hadley had overheard them.

Eric turned toward her, mouth parting as if to speak, but no words came.

He didn’t even know why Linda had said those things. He didn’t understand her motives—and now it was too late to stop the fallout.

“Hadley…” Eric caught her by the arm, his grip firm, unwilling to let her walk away.

you forcing this?” Hadley said coolly, the corner of her mouth curling into a smile that didn’t reach her eyes. “I already told

cracked, hoarse with

breath caught. He only wanted

for a moment, her mask slipped—her expression flickering with disbelief, a

a tight smile. “So… all this drama is over something I said?” She flicked her eyes to Eric, her

those things earlier, but I was just joking. We’d both just recently broken up. I was emotional—I didn’t mean any

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a lifeline. He turned back to Hadley, hopeful. “See? Did you hear that? She didn’t mean it—it was just

didn’t even blink. Her gaze remained fixed on Linda, disbelief shimmering just beneath the surface. Did

was cold. “That’s

her voice dipped in disdain. “There’s no need to explain anything

Has Eric not spoiled you enough? You really should know your place. You’re not his girlfriend anymore. Even if I do like him—and decide to pursue him—you don’t have the right

tightened, panic flashing in his eyes. “Please, just…

Hadley’s anger rising, and Linda’s words were only fueling the