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

Chapter 1009:

To be closer to her, Ernest pulled his chair alongside hers. The gentle glow lit her features, softening them with a tender radiance.

Unconsciously, Ernest’s Adam’s apple bobbed. He reached for the decanter on the table and poured two glasses of red wine. Elissa caught the scent in the air.

“What’s that? Red wine?”

“Yes,” he replied. “It’s your birthday. I thought we’d share a glass.”

“Alright.”

He gently took her hand, guiding the stem of the glass into her fingers. “Careful. Hold it steady.”

Elissa let out a quiet laugh. “You’re fussier than Laney. I may be blind, but I haven’t lost the ability to hold a wine glass.”

“That’s on me,” Ernest said, tone warm and unbothered.

He raised his own glass and lightly tapped it against hers. “Happy birthday.”

Elissa froze, a sudden tightness in her chest. Her nose tingled. “Thank you,” she murmured.

head and took a small sip.

it?” Ernest frowned.

shook her head. “It tastes familiar. Is this Lafite Rothschild?”

can

head. “Not exactly. When I was little, I lived abroad with my mom. She

wine like it was juice. I guess

light and unguarded, and something about the brightness of her smile made Ernest’s chest

fresh updates for

privilege—safe, luxurious, untroubled. If it hadn’t been for

so much—all because of

and began plating food for her, carefully slicing the meat

of everything. Take your time. If there’s something you like, just say the word—I’ll

“Alright.”

and began eating with

visible enjoyment, Ernest’s lips curved into a

fill up too fast. There’s still a

face lit up. “There

is. Later, I’ll help you blow out the candles