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

Chapter 1312:

Clutching the paper bag with the ointment, Elissa made her way slowly toward the entrance.

As she approached, a new predicament arose.

Her heel was broken, and though she had managed the few steps earlier from his car to the house, hobbling to the subway in such shoes would be a trial.

As she weighed her options, Ernest reappeared, a bag in hand. Without a word, he crouched before her, his presence both commanding and gentle.

Elissa watched as he opened the bag, revealing a pair of sleek, flat sneakers.

He set them before her with deliberate care. “Put these on.”

Sensing her hesitation, he added, “They’re brand new, just delivered, and in your size. Perfectly clean.”

be to reject a gesture crafted with intention. If she didn’t wear them, they would

“Thank you, I…”

“Planning to send me another payment? Go right ahead.” His tone was lighter this time, less sharp than before. “I

sent him a transfer once before—a small act of independence that hadn’t gone

with a resigned sigh, gesturing toward the sneakers. “Just put them on. Sebastian’s waiting outside to drive you home. I know you hate feeling indebted, but you’ve injured your foot today. Don’t be

waiting for a reply, he turned and ascended the stairs,

the empty

spotlight, Elissa leaned forward, her intuition stirring. “Enough about me. Hadley, something is up with you, isn’t it? You don’t sound

chapter

momentarily, caught off guard. “What makes you ask that?” she said, her voice tinged

in her friend’s tone, responded gently, “It’s the way you sound, Hadley. You seem

chuckle escaped Hadley’s lips. “You always see right through

sofa, her curiosity piqued. “What’s going on with