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

Chapter 85 Can't | Provide

For You

What just happened?

Hadley’s eyes widened in shock as the bread got stuck in her throat. It was too dry to swallow and too lodged to

cough out.

Her coughs erupted uncontrollably.

“Hadley?”

Startled by the commotion, Eric rose swiftly and moved to her side from across the table. “Are you alright? Show

me!”

He reached for her chin, trying to examine her mouth.

Despite her persistent coughing, Hadley vigorously shook her head, refusing his help. Her mouth was filled with

half-chewed food-hardly a pretty sight.

Moreover, why should she allow it?

“Don’t be so stubborn!” Eric's frown deepened, his impatience apparent. It seemed he might pry her mouth open

by force if necessary.

“Mr. Flynn.” Kira, who had been quietly watching, intervened with a glass of water in hand. “It seems she’s

choking. Let her drink this.”

Gratefully, Hadley nodded, unable to voice her thanks.

“Hurry, hand it over!”

When Eric took the glass from the housekeeper, Hadley tried to grasp it, but he held on.

Instead, he guided the glass to her lips. “Drink this.”

Left with no alternative, Hadley sipped from his hand.

After a few large gulps, the bread dislodged.

Relieved, Hadley pushed the glass away.

“Are you sure you're all right now?” Eric looked concerned.

“Yes,” Hadley replied, finally able to speak. “I'm okay now. Thank you.”

“Alright then.”

Eric let out a sigh of relief and placed the glass on the table. He playfully flicked her nose

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Choking on bread? Are you trying to win a prize for clumsiness?”

As she turned her head away, Hadley’s frown deepened.

She didn’t like him touching her-not one bit.

As soon as she moved away, Eric's face stiffened momentarily. Nonetheless, he chose to stay silent instead of

reacting.

Deep down, Eric wasn’t just upset about this incident. His real frustration stemmed from overhearing her earlier

on the terrace, claiming she no longer loved him.

He returned to his seat, continuing to slice the bread.

Observing him, Hadley grew more anxious. “Please, | don’t want any more. Stop cutting it.”

Eric stopped cutting for a moment, and then looked up at her with intense eyes.

“Hadley,” he said calmly, though his intense gaze added pressure. “No one declines what | offer. You're aware of

that, right?”

In other words, she had no choice.

A shiver ran down Hadley’s spine. This was typical of Eric.

Taking a deep breath, she finally asked, “Then what is it that you really want from me?”

Now they were finally getting to the main point.

As he leaned forward, Eric's tone was firm. “I've already told you. Forget about the divorce and cback to

me.”

“That’s not my question.” Hadley shook her head, her gaze locked on his, searching for his real motives. “What |

want to know is-why are you doing all of this?”

What?

Her question visibly stunned Eric.

Wasn't it clear? He wanted her back, so he took action. It was that simple!

Hadley laughed softly, her tone tinged with mockery. “You wantback... but what's the real reason? Surely,

it’s not because you've fallen in love withovernight?”

Love?

A frown creased Eric's forehead. He hadn't actually thought about love in their equation.

His momentary hesitation confirmed Hadley’s suspicions-his motives were anything but romantic.

She gave a knowing smile. “Of course, that’s not it. A man like you wouldn't commit to something so tic

over love. That's just absurd. What's the real reason?”

“Hold on a second.”

The look in Eric's eyes grew colder. His voice remained steady, yet there was a sharp undertone. “Do you really

find the notion of my love... absurd?”

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“Is it not?” Hadley replied firmly, her confidence unshaken. “Who am |, after all? The notorious ‘wicked woman’

of Srixby, the one you threw overseas, the cunning, shameful-"

“Stop talking!” Eric interrupted sharply, his annoyance evident. “Your words are better left unsaid.”

He then picked up a slice of baguette, dipped it in the creamy mushroom soup, and brought it to her lips.

His command was clear and uncompromising. “Open up.”

What?

Hadley was taken aback. What was he thinking?

How could he listen to her accusations and still offer her food?

“I won't eat that.”

She turned her head away, setting her terms. “Not unless you allowto return to Galant and continue my

dance career.”

Eric’s hand stilled. So this was what it was all about in the end.

He put the bread down and got straight to the point. “You're not going back to Galant. It's out of the question.”

“Why not?” Hadley tensed up. “Dancing is my job!”

“What sort of pathetic career do you call that?” Eric couldn't care less. He dismissed the idea with a wave of his

hand. “You don’t need that job. Or are you suggesting that | can’t provide for you?”

Providing for her? It seemed he was not ready to give her what she truly wanted.

With her jaw set firmly, Hadley managed to say, “I'm aware of your influence, yet I'll never consent to this

arrangement.”

“Is that so?” Eric challenged her, holding her gaze with an intense look.

A tense silence fell between them, both standing their ground.

“Alright.” Eric nodded slowly. “I see your point.”

He had overheard her conversation with Nyla on the terrace, and he knew winning her back wouldn't be easy.

And it was right that it shouldn't be easy.

After neglecting her and being distant for so long, he knew it wouldn't be simple words that would mend their

rift.

Ready for the long haul, he was determined to win her over, no matter the effort required.

Switching approach, he urged, “Con, have smore. Two bites aren't enough.” He handed her another

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piece of bread.

This time, Hadley chose to ignore his gesture. She bowed her head and reached for her glass of milk, drinking it

in large, determined gulps.

Eric froze. Then, lifting an eyebrow, he couldnt help but laugh.

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Chapter 85 Cant! Provide For You

Following their meal, they left together.

Sebastian was at the wheel, driving Hadley to her apartment on West 12th Street first.

Eric was reluctant to let her go back to that sorry excuse of an apartment. Bringing her to live with him

immediately however, especially right after severing her ties with Galant, might be too much for her to handle

right now.

He decided to let the matter rest for now.

The mere fact that she would no longer be performing onstage, away from the gazes of other men, was

comforting enough to improve Eric's mood significantly.

Upon reaching the alleyway, Eric got out of the car and escorted her to her doorstep.

With him outside and her inside, he bowed his head slightly, keeping his eyes on her. “I'm taking off now.”

Hadley remained silent, refusing even to meet his gaze.

Even though she was clearly angry, Eric remained calm. “Preventing you from dancing is actually for the best.

It's for your own good. You can’t stay in that kind of place forever.”

At that, Hadley looked up sharply, her eyes flashing with anger.

“Okay, fine, I'll drop it,” Eric said, raising his hands in a gesture of surrender. “I'm heading out.”

He stepped back twice, giving her a quick smile, and then turned and walked down the steps.

As Eric’s footsteps receded, Hadley’s expression grew more troubled. What was his motive? Why didn’t he let her

go?

That snight, Eric gathered with his friends at Galant. Denver was present as well.

Earlier, when Eric had called Marshall, he had made it a point to include Denver.

From the moment Denver arrived, he couldn't take his eyes off the stage.

Growing restless from not spotting Hadley, he abruptly stood. “I need to use the restroom.”

Shortly after he left, Eric rose as well.

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