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

Chapter 997:

As Denver approached, he gave a polite nod. “Eric.”

There was no warmth in the exchange, but civility mattered. Appearances had to be kept.

Eric returned it with a curt nod of his own. “Denver.”

Without another word, Denver pushed open the door and stepped inside.

Hadley was on the phone with Joy, her voice soft and tinged with guilt. “Mommy, you didn’t come home last night,” came the little one’s voice on the other end.

“I’m sorry, Joy. Mommy had work to do.”

She couldn’t bring herself to tell Joy the truth—that she’d been kidnapped and barely escaped a fire. Instead, she wove a story about being stuck with work, away for a few more days. “I’ll be good and wait for you at home, Mommy. Bye-bye.”

“Bye-bye, sweetheart.”

and caught sight of Denver. A tired but genuine smile touched

said with a small

the tail end of their conversation just

once-over, his

“I am,” she answered.

more night of observation, I can go home tomorrow morning.” Thankfully, there had been no signs of cerebral edema. It could’ve been fatal—but with no damage

weren’t for you… I might never have seen Joy again.” The weight of that truth settled between them. She owed him more than words could repay. He had saved her life. How could one even begin to repay a debt

he had seemed to accept it—his choice to charge

love are

let go. Not

thinking?” he asked, his eyes locked on hers. “Wondering if I’ll cling to you now, just because

I pulled you out of the fire. But I haven’t forgotten what you said before. I know where

exhaled slowly. “And you don’t owe me anything. What my mother did to you back

old ledger. Such a perfect moment—he could have used