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

Chapter 1027:

The sting and her tears had sapped Joy’s strength, and as the medicine took hold, her little body grew heavy, eyes fluttering shut in sleep. From a short distance, Hadley observed in silence, the knot of worry in her chest unraveling, the anxious fire within her finally dimming. Eric looked up, seizing the chance to ask about Joy’s state.

“What’s wrong with her?”

“Viral infection,” Hadley replied, arms folded, her stare drifting somewhere distant. “Joy’s immune system has always been frail compared to other kids. Without a cure, this could spiral out of control anytime.”

Eric’s expression darkened, a fracture splitting his calm facade.

After a quiet beat, he whispered, “She’ll pull through. She has to.” It wasn’t clear if he was convincing himself or Hadley.

His phone hummed faintly in his pocket.

Though subtle, Hadley caught it instantly, her brow creasing—she had a gut feeling it was Linda.

Eric shot her a glance, balancing Joy with one arm while fishing out his phone with the other.

Linda’s hospital’s nurse

twitched as he met Hadley’s

her head aside, irritation plain

but before the ringing stopped, he picked

he said, keeping his voice

is in a panic—she’s threatening

words struck Eric like a bolt, his eyes quivering with alarm. “Okay, I

“Hadley… I’ve got to

past his plea, her gaze icy. “Joy could wake up at any second. You just swore you’d stay by

in a vise. “I don’t

Hadley interrupted, her

“She…” Eric faltered.

eyeing him sharply. “Fine, I’ll tag along.

glanced at Melba. “Melba, watch Joy. I’ll

Melba replied, stepping up to take Joy from Eric’s arms. The tension in the room thickened as Melba’s nerves rattled under the weight of

a look