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

Chapter 1537:

“Really?” he questioned, searching her face as though suspecting some hidden protocol he might be violating.

Colleen studied him briefly before her lips curved into a reassuring smile. “Of course,” she confirmed with quiet certainty.

Though separated by a handful of years, she saw no reason they couldn’t interact as equals, as friends rather than formal acquaintances. The unnecessary barriers of formality would only complicate their interactions going forward.

“Alright, Colleen, it is,” Brady declared with newfound ease. “Nice to meet you—Colleen,” he added, testing her name deliberately.

The transition from formality happened seamlessly, as though he’d merely been waiting for permission.

Brady adjusted his grip on the steering wheel. “Should I take you home?” he inquired, already reaching for the ignition.

“I’ve already secured a rental

he acknowledged, waiting

Hadley emerged from the set, pleasantly surprised to

some stroke of serendipity, Eric had also concluded his work ahead of time. As she took off her costume and exited the dressing room, his familiar silhouette appeared in

she remarked, unable to keep surprise

explained cryptically, his fingers seeking hers with tender

his thumb tracing delicate patterns across her knuckles. “I’d like to have dinner with you

she agreed, warmth blossoming

Mₒᵣₑ ᵤₚdₐₜₑₛ ᵢₙ gₐₗₙₒᵥₑₗₛ.𝒸ₒₘ

to stir something profound within Hadley—a sense of security

the entrance of their villa, a small whirlwind of motion barreled toward them—Joy, transformed into a walking mud sculpture, her excitement

Hadley gasped, playfully stepping back to protect her clothing. Eric, however, immediately crouched to the child’s level, eyes twinkling with mischief. “Let me take a careful