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.”

shut his eyes, unable to

I’m done with him, I swear!” she pressed

her

Since Hadley came into your life, you’ve never truly been hers!” Linda’s smile held a quiet certainty. “Remember 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

words trailed off as she noticed

it was frigid, tinged with

that you can leave Hadley behind. Doesn’t

atmosphere grew heavy, almost

her gaze, his tone flat, teetering between doubt and echo. “You are the

captivating tales

room fell into

undeniable. How could I not like the girl

emotional, and her eyes glistened with

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

word, the spark