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

Chapter 64 Who Are You Pouting For

Eric’s dismissive gesture made the act seem like he was getting rid of something contemptible.

“What is this?”

Duran reflexively caught the small bag, his eyebrows knitting together in puzzlement.

As he opened it, he discovered the ring he had once given to Hadley.

Hadley’s reaction was immediate; she turned sharply towards Eric, her expression one of astonishment. Had he

not discarded it that very night?

Could it be that he had held onto it all this time?

A sardonic laugh broke from Duran as he gripped the ring tightly, his face hardening

The realization dawned on him.

Hadley was no longer his to keep-she had moved on to Eric...

That would be logical. Eric was younger, more affluent, and carried none of the complexities that he did.

With a resigned look, Duran slipped the ring into his pocket and faced Hadley. “Ignore my earlier request. You're

with Mr. Flynn now. Consider yourself fortunate. I'll take my leave.”

What?

Shock flickered across Hadley’s face. Did Duran really think she was romantically involved with Eric?

Such a misunderstanding could only lead to chaos. Eric couldn't stand her, and discovering this mix-up would

likely send him over the edge.

“l... no-" she said, her voice strained.

“Tsk.” Eric's glare was sharp, his tone edged with annoyance. “The doctor said not to speak. Want to lose your

voice for good?”

Was she pining for that older man or something?

Hadley bit back her response, overwhelmed with frustration.

See? He was already infuriated. And the worst part? She couldn't even clear the air.

Duran caught the tense exchange, his expression weary. He nodded stiffly at Eric, and then turned to leave.

Hadley moved instinctively, taking a step and opening her mouth to call out, saying, “Mr. Mu-"

Chapter 64 Who Are You Pasting for

“Hadley” Eric's voice was fierce, his tolerance worn thin. He clutched her wrist and pulled sharply ‘Make a move

Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt

to follow him, and you'll regret it!”

She was absolutely maddening!

Frustrated, he yanked at his tie and pulled her back inside with him.

The door slammed shut with a loud thud.

Hadley couldn't pinpoint exactly what had triggered him this time. With her throat aching, debating was out of

the question, so she merely turned her head away, ignoring his presence.

“Hah.” Eric’s laugh was biting and devoid of amusement. He grabbed her chiri, forcing her to look at him.

His face was stern, his eyes sharp with fierce scrutiny. “Who are you pouting for? Don’t tell me... you've fallen for

that old man?”

Hadley’s irritation surged as she met his gaze with a fierce look.

What did he understand about her feelings?

He was clueless about her struggles, yet he persisted in interfering!

With a defiant lift of her chin, she whispered hoarsely, “Yes. I... like him.”

Eric froze, taken aback by her admission.

“Are you out of your mind?” His tone was one of disbelief. “That old man? What's there to like? His age? Are you

so in need of a father figure, Hadley?”

Fury contorted Hadley’s face. “It’s... none... of your... concern!”

Eric instantly regretted his words.

She had lost her parents early in life, and the one thing she truly lacked was the affection of a family. And now he

was attacking her with it?

For the first time, regret washed over Eric, stirring a desire to retract his harsh comments. Yet, apologizing was

foreign to him-especially to someone like Hadley, towards whom his feelings had always been less than

favorable.

The apology stuck in his throat.

“Leave... now!”

Hadley was beyond caring about his regrets. She couldn’t bear to even glance at him, let alone share the same

space.

With a forceful push, she thrust her arms against his chest, directing him towards the exit. “Just... leave!”

Perhaps driven by guilt or a realization that he had crossed a line, Eric didn’t fight back this time. He allowed

Hadley to push him out the door.

With a loud bang, the door shut firmly in his face, narrowly missing his nose.

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Chapter 64 Who Are for frontingtor

Eric touched the bridge of his nose, muttering Suite Helly

But really she had feelings for Boran

Was it possible her desire for paternal affection why what as he ister ment

No, that couldn't be right. Eric dismissed the thought with a dude of we hest

After all, Hadley had once harbored feelings for him, loving him deeply for pos

It seemed implausible that she would shift her affectione from Him to smesne Wo her dead confused, still young

and too easily misled

Yes, that had to be the only explanation

Eric's frown deepened as his annoyance grew. Even with Sorm out of the prova deday nor any Made again. And

now, it seemned, it was his burden to handle

Dealing with his ex-wife was proving to be an increasingly demanding tack

Two days later, Hadley was feeling much better

Although her voice remained slightly hoarse, the pain had essed considerably her a chat with Lennon, the

decided it was tto go back to performing

That night, as Hadley was applying her makeup in the dressing room, Lennon appeared at the doo

“Hadley!” His face was alight with excitement, practically vibrating with entandias “You won't believe it

Hadley looked up, her expression curious. “What is it?”

Her voice was still faint, hardly more than a whisper.

Unable to hold back his joy, Lennon burst out laughing “Mr. Flynn be’s back it’s unfortunate about Dutan, but can

you believe it-Mr. Flynn has returned! Seems like fate is on your side, Hadley His laughter filled the

room.

Indeed, Duran might have been a fine option. However, Eric Flynn was in a league of his own

Yet, a smile failed to form on Hadley’s lips.

She understood the truth-Eric wasn’t here to support her. He was merely keeping tabs on her.

As he had put it bluntly, he viewed her dancing in a nightclub as a blight on the Flynn family’s reputation

Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm

“Hadley.” Lennon's voice grew more earnest. He remembered well the recent strains between her and Eric. With

a soothing, convincing tone, he said, “Try to relax a bit. No matter what, just play along with him, okay? Men -

particularly those successful ones like him-value their pride. Just flatter him a bit, keep him content, and believe

me, it'll work wonders for you.”

He winked, and then whispered confidentially, “Believe me, aligning with Eric will benefit you far more than

Duran ever could.”

Hadley managed a dry laugh and nodded in agreement. “Understood.”

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Chapter 64 Who Are You fouting For

“That's the attitude.”

With a supportive pat on her shoulder, Lennon said, “Now, go on-Mr. Flynn is eager to watch you perform.”

After the performance, Hadley removed her makeup and changed before she exited through the backstage door

and saw Eric waiting there, casually leaning against the wall.

Unsure how long he'd been there, she noticed him pivot towards her as soon as he caught the sound of her

approach.

He cut to the chase, saying simply, “Let's go.”

Silently, Hadley followed him.

Eric led her to his car and opened the passenger door. “Hop in.”

Taking a deep breath, Hadley got into the vehicle.

As they drove off, she stole a glance at him, saying, “Can you... maybe not visit Galant anymore?”

“Sure,” Eric replied smoothly. “If I'm tied up, even if you ask, | won't make it.”

However, he then offered her a sly smile. “However, just for your information... I've made my stance very clear -

no one in Srixby who respects the nEric Flynn would get any ideas about you.”

Hadley’s expression turned to one of confusion. “Your stance? What exactly did you do?”

Eric cleared his throat and avoided a direct answer, instead giving her a pointed look. “Quiet now. You've just

regained your ability to speak, and you are, already chattering away?”

Hadley compressed her lips and chose to remain quiet.

The remainder of their journey passed in silence. Upon reaching West 12th Street, Eric did not accompany her up

to her apartment. He just waited downstairs, observing until the light in her apartment window turned on.

Just as he prepared to drive away-suddenly, darkness engulfed everything around him.

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