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

Chapter 1014:

Eric allowed her head to nestle against his shoulder as he gently swayed with her in the room.

“Are you still too sleepy to open your eyes?” With a gentle pat on her back, his hand cradled her closely. “No hurry, I’m here. Take all the time you need, Joy.”

Slowly, Joy’s sobs subsided, tears still streaking her cheeks. She lifted her gaze to Eric.

“It’s you.”

“Yes,” Eric replied, his smile reassuring. “It’s me, and you’re awake now. Your mom’s waiting for us. Ready to get dressed?”

“Okay.” Joy had picked out her outfit the previous evening. “Over there.” She directed him to where her clothes were neatly hung in the corner.

“Okay then.” With one arm securely around Joy, Eric used his other hand to retrieve the clothes. He gently placed Joy down and assisted her into her selected outfit.

From the doorway, Hadley observed silently. She found herself deep in thought. Seeing Eric’s gentle patience with Joy, she wondered: could he truly turn indifferent toward Joy even if she refused his proposal?

then, her phone buzzed; Elissa

“Hi, Elissa.”

if it’s convenient, could you visit? There’s something important… I

softness and a hint of uncertainty in Elissa’s tone, indicating she

free this afternoon. I’ll be visiting, okay?”

“That’s not right!”

daughter from head to toe, puzzled

Joy gestured at herself, eyes wide with dismay. “They’re on wrong—the butterfly should

correct, though the mix-up seemed minor. With a sheepish grin, he owned up to the error. “My bad. Let’s sort it out now. Can you let this

always live at

her

scrub

wearing thin,” Eric teased in a

“Don’t mess it