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

Chapter 74 A Kiss Is Of Help

The instant the spray hit Hadley’s tongue, an unbearable bitterness seized her senses, nearly knocking the

breath out of her. The taste was so vile it felt like poison itself.

Hadley clenched her jaw, trying to endure the assault on her taste buds.

Eric, as if anticipating her every move, reacted in a blink. Just as she turned her head, he swiftly pressed a firm

hand over her mouth, blocking any chance of escape.

His eyes, sharp as a blade, locked onto her with an unyielding glare.

“It helps with the burn, Hadley. You are not spitting it out,” Eric commanded, his voice brooking no argument.

Hadley froze, confusion flickering across her face like a candle in the wind.

The sheer awfulness of the taste sent a shudder through her, and she instinctively tried to pry his hand away,

unable to withstand the lingering bitterness.

Eric’s voice turned cool, almost teasing, yet lined with steel. “Disobeyingagain, are you?”

Then, without warning, he stood and pulled his hand away.

Hadley barely had a second to react before Eric grasped her cheeks, leaned down, and captured her lips in his

own

She could only stare, stunned, as realization struck like a thunderclap.

Hadley was taken aback for a second, unsure of what to say.

Was he-

Was he kissing her again?

As if bewitched by the moment, Eric seemed to savor the contact, his senses sharpening at every tiny detail.

When Hadley’s long lashes brushed against his skin, the soft, fleeting touch sent a tremor through him, like the

whisper of a breeze stirring embers into flames.

His breath, warm and steady, curled against her lips as he murmured, “Still bitter?”

Hadley’s lips parted, her thoughts scattering like dry leaves in the wind. She stammered, “N-no... it... it is not

bitter anymore.”

“Is that so?”

A low chuckle rumbled from Eric’s throat. “One kiss, and it is gone, just like that?”

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“What?” Hadley blinked, utterly baffled, wondering if she had misheard him.

“Silly girl,” Eric muttered, voice tinged with an odd fondness.

Then, as if something primal overtook him, he seized her by the waist and pulled her flush against him.

Hadley stood frozen, lips slightly parted, the ghost of the bitter medicine still clinging to her breath.

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“Hadley.”

The way he spoke her nwas slow, deliberate, each syllable curling over his tongue with an unsettling

certainty.

In a voice as calm as still waters yet as immovable as stone, Eric declared, “You and Denver do not belong

together. Tomorrow, you will tell Grandma that you are not interested in him. Understood?”

The words slammed into Hadley. Her heart pounded, a wild rhythm drumming against her ribs.

It was only then that Hadley realized she had been leaning into his chest. A startled jolt ran through her, and she

pulled away as if burned. She stumbled back, putting as much distance as she could between them.

Eric's expression darkened at the loss of contact. His voice dipped, rough with displeasure. “Hadley.”

“Why should | listen to you?”

Hadley could hardly process the fact that Eric, who had always acted like he despised her, was now kissing and

embracing her.

Her hands quivered slightly as she shook her head.

“I think Denver is just fine! My life is none of your business!”

With that, she turned on her heel and dashed away.

“Hadley!”

Behind her, Eric’s voice rumbled with frustration, thick with anger.

Hadley squeezed her eyes shut, refusing to look back. She was unnerved by Eric's unpredictable behavior and

couldn't make sense of it.

Why? What was driving him?

That night, sleep eluded Hadley.

Every tshe closed her eyes, Eric's face and the memory of his kiss flooded her thoughts. No matter how hard

she tried to push it away, the image lingered like a stubborn shadow.

Before dawn broke the next day, Hadley slipped out of the Flynn Mansion quietly.

She had intended to let Nyla know she was leaving, but under the circumstances, facing her felt like climbing a

mountain. The longer Hadley stayed in the mansion, the more fear crept into her heart.

She resolved to apologize to Nyla later.

Back at her cozy little place on West Twelfth Alley, Hadley finally breathed a sigh of relief. She coul bed and

drifted into a much-needed sleep.

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That evening, Hadley arrived at Galant.

After changing into her costand prepping for her makeup, she stopped to pick up her phone and dial Nyla.

“Nyla.”

“Hadley?” On the other end, Nyla inquired, “Where did you go? | didn’t see you the entire day.”

“Nyla.” With a soft smile, Hadley explained, “I left early today and wanted to call you. I've been staying with the

Flynn family for a few days, so | won't be coming over anymore starting now.”

“What? But...”

“Nyla, we agreed I'd only stay with you for a few days, remember?”

Indeed, Hadley was simply sticking to their original plan.

Nyla let out a resigned sigh. “Alright, but promiseyou'll visit us often. We'll always be your family.”

“I know,” Hadley replied with a light laugh.

Just as Hadley ended the call, Lennon strolled into the room.

Following him were two delivery people, one balancing takeout, the other holding a bouquet of flowers. The

dressing area was nearly overflowing with items.

“Hadley,” Lennon said, flashing a playful grin. “These are from Mr. Flynn.”

But Hadley felt no joy at the gesture.

A cold shiver ran through her, and an uneasy feeling settled in her chest, leaving her heart racing with dread.

Once the performance wrapped up, Hadley received a call from Eric.

She hesitated to answer but knew she couldn't dodge him forever.

Finally, she had no choice but to pick up. “Hello?”

“What tdo you finish tonight?” Eric's tone was firm. “I'm on my way. Wait for me. I'll pick you up.”

“That's not necessary...”

As soon as Eric caught her protest, he cut her off. “I'm not asking for your opinion, Hadley. I'm telling you. Got

it?”

With that, he hung up.

Holding her phone, Hadley anxiously bit her fingertip.

She couldn’t wrap her head around his sudden change in demeanor.

She knew the ways of the world well enough.

She recognized that Eric was behaving in a way that clearly hinted at a man’s interest in a woman.

But the thought of Eric actually liking her? That seemed far-fetched.

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Chapter 74 A Kiss Is Of Help

She didn’t care about his reasons. All she wanted was for him to leave her be.

Then she recalled Eric’s earlier words about being on his way.

Panic surged through her as she hurriedly wiped off her makeup, grabbed her things, and dashed toward the

nightclub’s entrance.

“Hadley

Just as she reached the door, a hand grasped her arm.

It was Denver.

Seeing the concern etched on Hadley’s face, Denver frowned. “Hadley, what's going on? Are you alright?”

Hadley looked rattled, as if she had just encountered a ghost.

“..."” She faltered, forcing a weak smile. “It’s nothing, really. I'm just tired and need to get home.”

“Is that all?” Denver pressed, his tone skeptical.

“Yes, it is.” Naturally, she couldn't spill the truth to him.

“Alright

Checking his watch, Denver said, “I was about to head out myself. Letgive you a ride.”

“Oh, no,” Hadley protested, shaking her head. “I can’t keep imposing on you.”

Denver raised an eyebrow, offering a faint smile. “But aren't you tired and in a rush to get home?”

Before Hadley could respond, her phone buzzed in her hand.

Her heart sank as she read the message from Eric.

“I'm at the entrance. Are you finished, or should | cin to get you?”

Her face drained of color.

Noticing the sudden change in her expression, Denver asked, “Hadley? Are you alright?”

“What?” Hadley forced a small smile, clutching her phone. “I'm fine...”

What should she do? If she walked out now, Eric would surely catch her.

On impulse, she turned to Denver. “Could you drivehome?”

Denver brightened at the request. “Absolutely.”

He gestured invitingly. “This way.”

“Thank you”

Meanwhile, across the street, Eric sat in his car, phone in hand, waiting for Hadley’s reply.

Looking up, he caught sight of a man and a woman stepping out of the club together, their strides in sync,

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