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

Chapter 73 A Part Of His

Heart Had Melted

“What are you implying?”

Shock registered on Hadley’s face at Nyla’s words. Could she be meaning what she suspected? “No... Surely,

that’s not possible, is it?” Hadley pondered.

“Nyla.”

With a nervous gulp, Hadley inquired with hesitation, “What are you trying to say?”

Nyla patted Hadley’s hand, offering a warm smile. “What do you think, my dear? | mean to ask if you like

Denver.”

Noticing Hadley’s continued confusion, Nyla explained, “Like the way you once felt for Eric”

“Wait,” Hadley interjected, her confusion deepening. “What's this coming from now?”

Could it have been prompted by Denver offering her a ride home?

Attempting to clarify with a smile and a dismissive shake of her head, Hadley reassured. “There's absolutely

nothing between us, Nyla. We merely ran into each other, and he gavea lift.”

“Really, that’s it? At your birthday celebration the other day however, | noticed you and him interacting quite

comfortably.”

An awkward chuckle escaped Hadley. “You might be reading too much into it. There's genuinely nothing going

on.”

Perceiving Hadley’s modesty, Nyla let out a soft smile. “He seems like a good person, and possibly interested in

you. Tellhonestly, do you find him appealing at all?”

“What?”

Laughter eluded Hadley now.

Nyla looked serious, her demeanor suggesting deep contemplation.

Confusion marred Hadley’s expression as she replied, “I don’t quite understand what you're getting at.”

Exhaling deeply, Nyla used a napkin to dab at her lips.

Her gaze lingered on Hadley, filled with tender concern.

“Hadley, my only concern is for your happiness. | believe Denver could be a suitable partner. He comes from a

decent background, but what truly matters is whether you feel any affection for him...”

Chapter 73 A Part Of His Heart Had Melted

“Nylal”

Hadley’s reaction was one of shock, her complexion draining of color.

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She vigorously shook her head. “Please, don’t make light of this. How could such a thing ever happen?”

Hadley and Denver together? She couldn't conceive of it-it wouldn't be fair to him, a man with such promise!

“Why would you think I'm making this up?” Nyla’s expression turned grave. “I take your future very seriously.

Believe me, I'm considering what's best for you.”

“Nyla...”

Words failed Hadley; the idea seemed utterly preposterous.

“I understand,” Nyla said, gesturing dismissively. “You feel you're not worthy of him, isn’t that so, Hadley?” “That

really was the truth!” Hadley thought, yet she kept that thought to herself.

Yet Nyla appeared unfazed.

“Don’t fret. Your own feelings are all that matter. Remember, you are a Flynn. Who could possibly dismiss that?

Hadley...”

Moisture gathered in Nyla’s eyes as her voice trembled. “We've failed you in sways. | yearn to see you

married well, so | might find speace.”

“Nyla...”

Overcome, Hadley replied, “I don’t need...”

“Why do you think you don’t need it?”

Cutting her off, Nyla continued, “Eric toldabout your last attempt to manage on your own, and it didn’t end

well. I blmyself for not intervening. This time, I'm going to make sure we find the right man for you.”

Hadley found herself rooted to the spot.

She was at a loss for words.

If Nyla was set on the idea of something happening with Denver, then let her think so. Hadley, however, was

convinced they could never be anything beyond mere acquaintances.

“It’s decided then. | just wanted to ease your mind,” Nyla said, getting up from her chair. “The night has grown

late. I'm off to my room.”

“Allowto assist you upstairs.”

With those words, Hadley rose and offered her arm to Nyla.

At that moment, Eric entered, a tray with a bowl! of soup in hand.

“What took you so long just to fetch a bowl! of soup?”

Nyla released Hadley’s arm and shot Eric a sharp look. “Hadley, I'll manage on my own. You should stay and

enjoy your soup.”

“Okay, then.”

“Good girl.”

With a smile, Nyla turned and ascended the stairs.

Eric placed the tray on the table, avoiding eye contact with Hadley. “Go ahead.”

“Sure.”

Now alone with Eric, Hadley was consumed by thoughts of their kiss from the previous evening, replaying it

repeatedly in her mind.

Feeling restless, Hadley grabbed the soup bowl and took a hearty gulp to divert her mind.

Suddenly, Hadley gasped.

“What's wrong?”

Eric reacted quickly, rising and rushing to her side.

With her hand over her mouth and tears in her eyes, Hadley’s face turned a shade of red.

“Did the soup burn your tongue?”

Understanding the situation, Eric cradled Hadley’s face in his hands. “Don’t just stand there. Spit it out!”

However, Hadley had already ingested it.

The searing liquid scorched her throat and chest, causing her to wince in agony.

“What were you thinking?” Eric's features grew stern. “Why would you ingest something so blisteringly hot?”

Hadley held her mouth, speechless.

How could she have known it would be scalding?

Moreover, she had been determined not to waste the soup, enriched with an expensive herbal remedy.

Accustomed to cut costs after years of hardship, Hadley always conserved what little she had.

Eric's heart softened as he noticed the tears forming in Hadley’s eyes and her vulnerable stance, feeling as if a

part of his heart had melted.

“Is it very painful?”

Hadley, tears still brimming in her eyes, nodded in confirmation. Clearly, the soup had been left on a simmer for

too long, making it unbearably hot.

“Follow me!”

Eric grasped Hadley’s hand, guiding her towards the kitchen.

He swung open the refrigerator door and motioned towards Hadley. “Open up.”

Confused, Hadley kept her hand clamped over her mouth.

What was the reason for this?

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“Quickly, now!”

Seeing her hesitate, Eric cupped her face and gently guided her mouth open.

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Before she could resist, Eric popped a few ice cubes into her mouth.

Her cheeks bulged with the cold.

Trying not to laugh, Eric instructed, “Wait here.”

Eric released his hold and stepped away for a moment, returning to find Hadley dutifully standing with ice cubes

filling her mouth.

She remained silent and compliant.

“Why haven't you sat down yet?” Eric questioned as he drew nearer. He fetched a chair and eased Hadley down

by the shoulders. “Do you need help sitting?”

As he spoke, he began to unpack a box of medicinal supplies.

Hadley looked towards the box, unable to respond with her mouth packed with ice.

“This is a medicinal spray for burns.”

Reading her puzzled look, Eric clarified as he opened the box and gestured towards her mouth. “I'll apply this

once the pain subsides.”

Could he really be this kind?

Hadley’s eyes widened, the situation feeling almost dreamlike.

“Feeling any better? Is there still pain?”

He nodded towards the nearby trash bin. “If the pain has eased, you can spit out the ice. It’s just a temporary

measure. We still need to use the spray.”

With a vacant nod, Hadley turned and expelled the ice cubes.

“Now, open up,” Eric instructed, holding up the spray bottle and gesturing for her to lift her chin.

“L...” Hadley finally spoke, her voice tight with discomfort. “I'd rather do it myself.”

“You won't be able to see well enough inside your mouth. Just trustand open wide.”

When it becclear that Eric would not relinquish the spray, Hadley reluctantly tilted her head back and

opened her mouth.

Her delicate teeth and pink tongue were revealed.

She looked utterly charming...

Eric's throat constricted slightly. Supporting her chin with one hand and the spray in the other, his tone grew

tender as he reassured her.

“It might taste bitter, but try to endure it just for a bit, okay?”

“Okay.”

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