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

Chapter 79 Hadley

Deserves Far Better

But Hadley had been his woman, his cherished one.

Never in his wildest dreams would Eric lay a hand on a woman-least of all her.

Yet the inferno raging within his chest spiraled beyond restraint. With a ragged breath, he drew his fist upward

and sent it hurtling downward with raw force.

Hadley, gripped by dread, clamped her eyes shut, bracing for the inevitable sting.

A thunderous thud echoed in the air-but the anticipated pain never arrived.

Hesitantly, she peered through her lashes. Eric’s fist had collided with the back of the seat, mere inches from

her. What in the world... was he doing?

“Get out.” Eric's voice sliced through the tension, icy and unyielding. “Now!”

“Oh-alright!” Hadley stammered, her trembling fingers fumbling for the door handle. She stumbled out of the car

in a frantic rush, nearly losing her footing in her haste to escape.

Eric remained seated, his gaze fixed on her fleeting silhouette as it faded into the distance. A heavy silence

stretched on before he pinched the bridge of his nose, a hiss of frustration escaping through his gritted teeth.

Damn it! His leniency had let her slip away again.

Did she truly believe she could keep evading him forever?

CSunday morning, Eric stirred from slumber later than his custom. As he descended the grand staircase,

faint murmurs of conversation drifted from the living room.

He didn’t make a beeline for the parlor directly. Instead, he pivoted toward Kira, the trusted housekeeper,

curiosity tugging at his tone. “Who has paid us a visit?”

“It's Mr. Moran,” Kira replied with a warm smile, setting down Eric’s morning repast. “Your breakfast, sir.”

“Thank you,” Eric murmured, lifting the coffee to his lips for a tentative sip before placing it back down as he

rose to his feet.

What business brought Denver here so early?

“Sir, won't you eat?” Kira called after Eric, concern threading her tone.

“In a minute,” Eric replied over his shoulder, already striding toward the living room.

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14:04

Within, Denver sat across from Nyla, his demeanor all courtesy as he offered the tokens he had brought.

“These are fine herbal teas and wellness elixirs. | confess I'm no expert myself, but my mother handpicked them

just for you. She insisted they would do wonders for your health.”

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Nyla examined the ornate packages with an appreciative nod. “Your mother has impeccable taste. My gratitude

to you, Denver, and do extend my thanks to her as well.”

“Naturally.” Denver's smile lingered as he stole a glance at his watch. “It being the weekend, are you alone

here?”

Nyla arched a knowing brow.

A seasoned matriarch, she caught the true intent behind Denver's inquiry like a hawk spotting its quarry. Her

eyes twinkled with mischief. “There are others about,” she replied lightly. “Though | suspect you've got a

particular soul in mind, haven't you?”

Denver's cheeks flushed a soft crimson, caught off guard. “Not at all. Just making conversation.”

“Is that so?” Nyla chuckled, her tone teasing. “Well, Eric is the only one at home. But | bet he is not the one

you're hoping to see.”

At the mention of only Eric, a flicker of disappointment shadowed Denver's face.

True, he had cbearing gifts as a pretense, but in his heart of hearts, he had hoped Hadley might grace the

house on such a day.

She had turned him away before, but surrender wasn't in his nature-not yet.

“Hmm,” Nyla mused aloud, her gaze piercing as she studied Denver. “Might you be seeking Hadley?”

Denver froze, Nyla’s bluntness catching him unawares.

He sputtered, choking on a breath, and erupted into a fit of coughs.

Nyla blinked, torn between amusement and concern. “Good heavens, lad, | merely spoke her name! No need for

such a reaction.”

She swiftly handed him a glass of water. “Here, drink this before you turn blue.”

After downing the water in hasty gulps, Denver finally steadied his breathing. “Thank you, Mrs. Flynn,” he

rasped.

“You know...” Nyla leaned in, her voice sly as a fox. “Could it be you've taken a shine to our Hadley?” Denver

stiffened anew, his ears blazing scarlet. He nearly choked again, stammering, “I— 1—"

“Well?” Nyla pressed, her scrutiny unrelenting. “Is that a yes or a no?”

At that precise moment, Eric walked into the room.

“Grandma,” he greeted, his voice a low rumble.

The interruption couldn't have been more impeccably timed.

Nyla cast Eric a pointed glance, her lips curling faintly. “You have a knack for showing up at just the right

moment, don’t you?”

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14:05

Chapter 79 Hadley Deserves Far Better

Eric remained unruffled, his expression cool as ever. His eyes darted to Denver, and a sly, almost taunting smile

played across his features. “Denver. Fancy seeing you here.”

“Yes,” Denver replied, forcing a polite smile as he hastened to explain. “I've cbearing gifts to Mrs. Flynn.

from my mother.”

Nyla flicked her wrist dismissively before fixing her gaze back on Denver, undeterred.

“You still haven't answered my question. Are you sweet on our Hadley?”

“..." Denver faltered, caught in the spotlight of her scrutiny.

At first, a flush of embarrassment had warmed his cheeks. But now, as his eyes met Eric's, a spark of resolve

ignited within him. Perhaps this was his moment-his chance to lay his cards on the table.

Not just for Nyla’s ears, but for Hadley’s former spouse to hear as well.

Drawing a steadying breath, Denver squared his shoulders and met Nyla’s gaze with newfound conviction. “Yes.

1... I'm quite taken with Hadley.”

Hearing this, both Nyla and Eric blinked in surprise, the room falling momentarily still.

“Denver!” Nyla’s face lit up like a beacon, her hands clapping together in sheer delight. “Do you truly mean it?”

“Yes, Mrs. Flynn,” Denver replied with quiet certainty, adjusting his glasses in a gesture that underscored his

polished sincerity.

“Splendid, absolutely splendid!” Nyla beamed, her heart swelling with joy. She had always held firm that Hadley,

even after her divorce, deserved the finest suitors Srixby had to offer.

“Does Hadley know of your feelings?”

“Yes, she does.” Denver's brow creased faintly, a shadow of concern flickering across his face. “Though... she

seems to harbor shesitations.”

“Oh?” Nyla’s keen mind grasped the situation at once. She let out a soft sigh, shaking her head. “That girl...

always overthinking matters! Fret not, Denver-leave it to me.”

A surge of hope coursed through Denver's chest, lifting his spirits. “Thank you, Mrs. Flynn.”

Nyla nodded approvingly, though her expression soon grew earnest, her tone carrying a weight of expectation.

“But you must giveyour word on one thing-you're earnest about Hadley.”

Her gaze flicked briefly to Eric, a subtle challenge in her eyes. “You're not troubled by her past, and this isn't

sfleeting whimsy.”

“Mrs. Flynn...” Denver's voice held a note of affront, as though the very suggestion wounded his honor. “Of

course, I'm earnest!”

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He stole a glance at Eric before reaffirming his stance with unwavering resolve. “Her past holds no sway over

me-1 care only for her present and her future.”

“Well said! Very well said!” Nyla’'s approval radiated, her satisfaction evident in her bright smile. “That's

precisely the spirit | hoped to hear. | believe you, Denver.”

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Chapter 79 Hadley Deserves Far Better

Nyla had conducted her due diligence following the birthday party she had thrown for Hadley. Denver's

character, lineage, and accomplishments had all withstood her meticulous inspection. He was a commendable

young gentleman-someone she deemed worthy of entrusting with Hadley’s future.

“Give her time, my dear,” Nyla advised softly, her voice brimming with warmth. “Seek to understand her. From

her vantage point, she bears many worries, and rightly so. Especially with someone as exceptional as you

chasing after her...”

“Mrs. Flynn,” Denver replied with a fervent nod, his sincerity unmistakable. “I understand completely. | know

the steps | must take.”

“Grandma...” Eric’s voice finally cut through, a thread of exasperation woven into his tone.

“You can hold your tongue,” Nyla quipped, brushing him off with a flick of her wrist. “Can’t you see I'm in the

midst of a conversation with Denver?”

Denver let out a soft chuckle, rising to his feet with an air of purpose. “I ought to take my leave. There are

matters awaiting my attention.”

“Very well,”

Nyla replied, seeing no need to detain him further. They had made remarkable strides today, after all. “Do

convey my gratitude to your mother, and take care on your journey home.”

“I shall.”

Denver assured her, his step buoyant as he departed, a quiet elation evident in his demeanor.

And Nyla? Her heart glowed with equal delight.

She turned her attention to Eric, who lingered in the room like a storm cloud. “Go eat your breakfast. What are

you loitering about for?”

“Grandma,” Eric muttered, his appetite having vanished entirely.

His brows knitted together so fiercely they might have fused. “You shouldn’t meddle in matchmaking. They're ill-

matched, plain and simple.”

“And pray tell, why not?” Nyla halted, her gaze sharpening as it pinned Eric in place. “Don’t you dare suggest

Hadley isn’t worthy of Denver. I'll not hear such nonsense.”

Eric let out a biting, sardonic laugh, the sound dripping with irony. “Grandma, it’s quite the opposite-Hadley

deserves far better.”