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

Chapter 1024:

“And when it happens again?” Hadley didn’t yield, her expression tight with resolve. “Can you promise it won’t?”

Eric wavered, words failing him.

Hadley let out a quiet, bitter chuckle. “Let’s be clear—I only said yes to your ‘proposal’ for Joy’s sake. To me, my daughter’s joy outweighs your woman’s life by miles! If you hurt Joy…” Her voice dipped, cold and unwavering, each syllable a dagger. “I won’t let it go quietly! Trust me—I’ll fight tooth and nail!”

Her ferocity sent a chill through Eric.

Hadley arched a brow, her tone ironclad. “So either walk away now, while Joy’s not too hooked on you and can still move on easier. Or step inside, and from here on out, you’re there every single time she needs you—no excuses!”

“Mommy! Is that him?”

Before Eric could answer, Joy’s little feet pattered closer, her voice bubbling up.

“Whoa!”

Her face lit up like a firework when she spotted Eric.

“You’re here! Hug me!”

little star.” Eric’s heart softened as he scooped

chest, her small arms looping tightly around his neck. “I’ve been waiting for you to read me a story

at Hadley before stepping inside

rooted to the spot, her fingers pressing against her temples

bond with Eric was deepening by the day, and

Joy finally saw him, she

Mommy will get

the trick. Joy’s eyes

magic begins

her and waited until her breathing evened out. An

by the door, her turn to stay with

a glance at Eric as he opened the

trying to catch her, needing

of sorts right now. Just give it a

peered back into the room, cautious not to wake Joy, and then softly