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

Chapter 1030:

By the time the afternoon rolled around, Melba was back. Joy, now awake and cradled in Eric’s arms, appeared much better.

“I’ll take over. Mr. Flynn, you must be hungry too, right? Why don’t you and Hadley go out for a bite?” She had followed Hadley’s earlier directive to prepare food only for Joy.

“Sure,” Eric agreed, passing Joy to Melba. He brushed Joy’s head affectionately. “Enjoy your meal. We’ll return shortly.”

“Okay…” After her fever, Joy’s voice was tender but spirited. She flapped her small hand. “Bye-bye, Mom. Bye-bye, Eric.”

Her playful spirit shone through now that she felt a bit better. “Make sure you buy something yummy for Mommy.”

Eric stopped, a smile breaking across his face, and then he nodded in agreement. “You got it. I’ll make sure of it.”

Finding themselves with little appetite, they chose a nearby café and settled for simple set meals, eating without much conversation. With his injured arm, Eric struggled somewhat with his food, and Hadley finished eating first.

Hadley dabbed at her lips with a napkin and took a sip of water, sensing the right moment

continuing in an even tone, “We’ve discussed marriage before. Is

hardening. “Why

slightly. “But do you really think, under these circumstances, that we can go through with

not?” Eric responded, setting his utensils aside to look her directly in the

me?” Hadley’s smile held a hint of irony. “Have you forgotten how

through Eric’s eyes.

I don’t,” Hadley replied, maintaining her composure. “However, Linda does care about you a great deal. And yet, you’re here, wanting to marry me.

is where your

He had been fooling himself, believing Hadley might actually be showing signs of jealousy. Now, a deep pain ignited within him, feeling both

chuckle, his words hoarse as he tried to mask

was to lash out in anger. However, she held back, her

“Eric, you’re truly despicable!”