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

Chapter 60 He Could Cast

You Aside At Any Moment

Hadley maintained her composure, yet her heart was racing,

The fear was evident-she was worried that Eric might lose his cool and create a Extrace

However, he remained composed.

His curiosity quickly dissipated. “My apologies for the disruption, Mr. Mary, 1 ment attend to sanctie commitment

and must depart now.”

“Absolutely.” Duran, visibly anxious, hastened to show him out. “Take care, Mr. Flynn

Eric dismissed the formality with a casual wave. “Don’t bother seeingout.”

And with that, he exited.

The moment the door closed, Hadley exhaled a silent, lengthy breath.

Relief washed over her. The crisis was averted.

“Hadley.” Duran cback, guiding her back to her seat. After a pause, he awkwardly said, “About what just

happened...”

He studied her face before saying, “I apologize. You understand our situation. It’s not easy forto be entirely

forthcoming.”

His role was delicate.

Though he was officially divorced and single, any connection with a woman of Hadley’s background might

jeopardize his professional reputation.

Hadley was not someone who could easily step into the limelight.

Yet, Hadley just gave a calm nod, showing no concern. “I get it. No need for explanations.”

“That's reassuring.”

Duran was comforted by her understanding and discretion, which deepened his sense of responsibility towards

her.

With a sigh of relief and a smile, he reassured her. “While we may need to keep sthings low-key, | promise

to compensate in other ways. I've secured a place for you to live-it's currently being set up. Soon, you'll be able

to move in.”

This place would be their private retreat, a sanctuary away from prying eyes.

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Recognizing the dynamics of their arrangement, Hadley offered no objections. “I trust your judgment.”

Shifting the topic, Duran added, “I had planned to send smoney to your family, but...”

He had recently learned that she had no family left.

“So here's the plan,” he said, locking eyes with her. “The money will go to you instead. You're on your own now,

so use it however you see fit-save it, spend it, or maybe even start a small business. It’s entirely up to you.”

“Mr. Murray...” Upon hearing his offer, Hadley couldn't contain herself. Tears welled up in her eyes, and the felt a

tightness in her throat.

She had intended to request financial help once their arrangements were in order... Yet, he had anticipated her

needs.

Indeed, their relationship was transactional-he was her patron. However, the fact remained that when she was

most in need, he had generously stepped forward.

Reflecting on her child Joy, who was far off in Blathe, Hadley pressed her lips together. For her daughter's sake,

she had to persevere.

“What's the matter?” Noticing her tears, Duran reached for a tissue and offered it to her. “Why the tears?”

“Mr. Murray.” Hadley shook her head, her voice thick with emotion. “Thank you... | really mean it. Thank you.”

With a light laugh, Duran gently dabbed her tears away with the tissue. “Why thank me? This is simply what |

ought to do. Let's drop the formalities; too many thanks create distance between us.”

Nodding, Hadley calmed her emotions and mustered a faint smile. “Understood... I'll keep that in mind.”

That evening, Hadley made her way back to West 12th Street.

Per Duran’s plans, they would relocate to their newly renovated residence together once it was ready, allowing

Hadley tto cto terms with the change.

This thoughtfulness deepened her appreciation for him.

Duran had driven her to Mayfield Road and let her off at the corner as she requested, from where she walked the

remaining distance by herself.

Entering the alley, Hadley noticed a tall figure shrouded in darkness leaning against a wall, his face obscured by

the shadows.

A scornful voice shattered the silence. “Look who we've got here! Did your boyfriend drop you

It was Eric.

A knot formed in Hadley’s stomach. His presence meant trouble.

Hadley’s expression tightened, and she instinctively stepped backward.

Eric noticed her withdrawal and his gaze sharpened. “Hadley... Are you trying to avoid me?”

His demeanor becmore threatening when he was upset.

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Chapter 60 He Could Cast You Aside At Any Moment

Desiring to avoid any confrontation, Hadley maintained a steady voice. “What is it that you need?”

Eric scoffed, “What do | need?” He mocked her question. “Are you really askingthat?”

Emerging from the shadows, Eric moved under the faint glow of the streetlight, his chiseled features tense with

barely contained anger.

Before Hadley could respond, Eric grabbed her left hand and thrust it forward. “What is this? Explain now!”

His eyes were fixed on the ring Duran had given her.

Hadley furrowed her brows, attempting to withdraw her hand. “This is none of your concern!”

“Not my concern?” Eric scoffed derisively. “Seems you've forgotten, you're still legally my wife!”

Fury surged within him at the sight of the ring. Abruptly, he tightened his grasp and forcefully removed the ring

from her finger.

“Remove it immediately. You're not keeping this.”

“Release me!” Hadley protested, struggling against his grip.

However, Eric overpowered her.

Hadley inhaled sharply.

With a swift motion, Eric flung the ring. It spiraled through the air, disappearing into the darkness of the street.

“Now try wearing it!”

“No!”

Hadley cried out, her voice breaking as she stared in horror at where her ring had vanished into the night. “Eric!”

Her rage was clear; her eyes blazed as she stared him down. “How dare you throw my ring away? Have you lost

your mind? | am not your wife!”

Her gaze was intense and unwavering, her voice trembling with fury.

“It’s been four years since we separated! Our marriage has been over for ages! We are no longer husband and

wife!”

“You-"

Eric was momentarily stunned, his anger boiling over.

Was she really this upset about a ring?

His expression hardened. “What's your plan, then? Looking for a new husband? Duran Murray? That's

laughable.”

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His voice was frigid. “He didn’t even dare to acknowledge your relationship when | asked him. Do you honestly

believe he’s going to marry you? You're living in a fantasy!”

“I'm aware he’s not going to marry me,” Hadley said, her chin held high, her demeanor fearless.

Eric halted, visibly taken aback. “You know this and you're still with him?” he asked, his tone lowering in

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diabetet “Hadley, kare you lost your mind? You is young or you're outer to be just another mat’s mistress?”

“What's wrong with that replied Harley, hey look one of cool detachroete

the scotted, “What's wrong? We'll never marry you. You have no sourity be way moment, he could cast you

wside You're deluding yourself”

“And if he does marry me, what security would that the moa?” Matlay miked, a hint of sarcasco in her laugher

Her scornful eyes swept over him. “Inc, don’t be abord. | was once married, remember? And tell me, what

‘security did that marriage provider

Enc caught his breath, struck silent.

Hadley continued, her tone incisive, “I was a bride for just two months, and how often was my husband even

present? Then he banishedabroad, for four years Four, Erict”

Her voice escalated, her words piercing him sharply. “So where was this fabled ‘security then? Explain it to me?”

Eric opened his mouth to respond, yet no sound emerged

Bathed in the dim streetlight, his face appeared almost ghostly.

Indeed, he was the one responsible.

With his teeth gritted, Eric retorted harshly, “And who caused all that? You brought it upon yourself. It wasn’t my

doing!”

Hadley responded with a cold, mocking laugh.

“You're correct,” she said, her tone airy and detached. “If you despiseso much, why concern yourself with

my actions?”

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