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

Chapter 1389:

“Linda?” he called again, his tone gentle but unmistakably firm. “Would you mind waiting on the balcony for a moment?”

Ernest hadn’t raised his voice. He didn’t need to. There was a quiet authority in the way he spoke—polite, but resolute.

“Sure,” Linda replied, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Without protest, she turned her wheelchair and headed toward the balcony, giving them the space they asked for.

Ernest watched her go, his eyes fixed on her until she reached the balcony and the sliding door shut behind her. Only then did he relax enough to speak.

The room was silent. The soundproofing kept everything inside these walls. Now, he could speak openly with his brother.

“Ernest,” Eric glanced around, confused. He wasn’t the only one thrown off by the situation. “What is it you’re not saying? Why send her out?” If this were about Linda, shouldn’t she be here to face it?

this far, he

the hesitation. “What’s

Ernest finally exhaled, his voice dropping to almost a whisper. “It all started five

out on

everything.

He didn’t blink, didn’t move—like he’d turned to

on me. I failed you… failed Hadley… and failed

actions ended up hurting more people

“I’m not someone who gets everything

into fiction with

and continued, his voice rough around the edges, “Hadley’s suffered more than she ever should’ve. I’ll return the money to her.

responded, shaking his head slowly. His face was pale, his expression stiff, but his eyes were filled with quiet regret and a deep, aching