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

Chapter 989:

Far from holding a grudge, Eric owed Denver a heartfelt thank-you. As Denver had pointed out, without his quick thinking, Hadley might have slipped away forever.

Eric squeezed his eyes shut, the weight of that thought pressing down on him. Compared to the nightmare of losing Hadley forever, being outplayed by Denver was a mere drop in the bucket.

“It doesn’t matter,” Eric said through gritted teeth, shaking his head as his gaze locked onto the hospital door. “All we can do now is bide our time.”

Waiting was his only card left to play. Hadley was safe, and that was a balm to his frayed nerves. Yet a nagging question gnawed at him. Had Hadley’s heart always belonged to Denver?

She had never given him a chance, but there was a time when Denver had lit a spark in her. Now, with Denver playing the hero, risking it all to save her, would she run back into his arms?

Inside the sterile confines of the hospital room, Hadley rested motionless on the bed, an oxygen mask cradling her face. The soft shuffle of footsteps stirred her, and her eyes fluttered open.

“Hadley,” Denver murmured, his voice a gentle breeze as he glided to her bedside, careful not to ruffle her fragile peace. “How are you holding up?”

swiftly waved her off. “Don’t strain yourself. The nurse said you’re still too

curtains at the end of a quiet scene—a silent reassurance that she was on the

a relief,” Denver said, his voice catching as tears welled up, spilling over despite his best efforts. He reached for Hadley’s hand, his grip tender. “You gave me the scare of my life, but thank

nurse

gave a small nod, her eyes

– ?????

you fretting over me?” Denver’s voice softened, his eyes glistening as he read Hadley’s unspoken thoughts.

a rough, raspy sound scratched its way out of her throat.

hadn’t forgotten how Denver had thrown it up to shield her from the falling

a wince that betrayed his pain. “Ouch… well, it does hurt a bit!” He chuckled, brushing it off. “Slipped my mind until you brought it

squeeze. “I’ll have it looked at soon.

it—she wouldn’t let him wave it off as a

her face pleading

soft laugh. “Alright, I hear you. I’ll get

his smile dimming as a