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

Chapter 1038:

“Eric!”

Linda’s grip tightened, her voice desperate.

She looked up at him, her eyes brimming with frustration and vulnerability. “Are you angry with me? Do you still hold it against me? For knowing you first but choosing Ernest back then?”

“Linda,” Eric shook his head, frowning. “You’re reading too much into it. I didn’t…”

“Don’t lie to me. I know you had feelings for me!” Her voice cracked, tears spilling over. “You have every right to be upset. I did turn my heart to your brother. But Eric, I liked you just as much as I liked Ernest!”

Eric stood frozen, trying to interrupt. “Linda, please…”

But she was unstoppable now, her words tumbling out. There was no going back once she’d started. Since she had spoken of her feelings, she could only go all out!

“Eric, trust me! My feelings for you are as real as they were for Ernest! I may have kept my distance these past years, but from now on, you’d have all of me.”

eyes, unable to

done with him, I swear!” she pressed on,

her

when we were kids? You promised you’d always look out for me, be there for me. And you have—quietly watching over me all these years. I see

trailed off as she noticed

impassive—more than that, it was frigid, tinged with

matter? I’m saying I’ll be with you, that you can leave Hadley behind. Doesn’t that make you happy? I’m the one you’ve

grew heavy, almost

finally met her gaze, his tone flat, teetering between doubt and echo. “You are the one I’ve always liked

captivating tales on

into

Eric’s voice cut through, low and controlled. “Yes, I do like you… That’s undeniable. How could I not like

Relief washed over Linda. She got emotional, and

turned darker, and his tone grew more serious. “Linda, you’ve been with Ernest for over a decade. Never have I felt

the spark in