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.

number of Linda’s hospital’s nurse station flashed on the

twitched as he met Hadley’s

aside, irritation plain on her

for a moment, but before the

he said, keeping his voice

Flynn! It’s an emergency! Miss Harris is in a panic—she’s threatening to leap

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

and turned to Hadley, his look desperate. “Hadley… I’ve got to head there. Joy’s asleep

is ‘not long’?” Hadley brushed past his plea, her gaze icy. “Joy could wake

Eric floundered, caught in a vise.

Hadley

“She…” Eric faltered.

could finish, Hadley cut in, eyeing him sharply. “Fine, I’ll tag along. Let’s see what circus she’s putting on

Melba. “Melba, watch

take Joy from Eric’s arms. The tension in the room thickened as Melba’s nerves rattled

to throw a look back at Eric. “Well? You