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

Chapter 140 Candy And Smile

“Ah, you're hsooner than usual-perfect timing.”

Nyla gestured towards Eric. “No need to change or anything, keep your keys handy. You're giving Hadley a ride

soon.”

Eric caught a glimpse of Hadley’s departing figure and acknowledged. “Got it. I'll bring the car around.”

“Please do.”

On his way out, Eric bumped into Linda at the entrance.

“Hey, Eric.” Linda nodded at him with a smile. “Back so soon?”

She scrutinized him briefly. “Heading out again already?”

“Yes,” Eric answered. “I'm about to drive Hadley home...”

He was interrupted mid-sentence as Linda's face suddenly turned serious, her smile stiffening.

She had a clear view through the open-plan windows into the living room.

Just then, Hadley emerged from the bathroom.

“I'm heading out now, Nyla, Ernest. Take care,” Hadley said.

“Hold on, Eric's fetching the car.”

“What?” Hadley paused, seemingly resigned to the ride with him.

“Had...ley.”

“Hmm? Did you call me?” Hadley turned, her expression brightening as she faced Ernest.

“Yes.” Ernest confirmed, his smile lighting up his features.

“Oh, that’s fantastic!”

L

With her hand covering her mouth, Hadley’s voice vibrated with excitement. “Nyla, did you catch His

pronunciation is so clear now!”

Nyla, equally elated, responded, “Indeed, it’s the clearest nhe’s managed yet!”

“Is that so?” Hadley beamed with joy. “That's such an honor for me.”

Ernest repeated her name, gently, “Had... ley... Hadley...”

He continued, saying her na few more times, each one clearer than the last.

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Chapter 140 Candy And Smile

“What's the matter?” Playfully, Hadley teased him, “Ernest, you're not supposed to say my nwithout a good

reason.”

She extended her hand. “So, what's my candy?”

Nave YER"

Ernest, to her astonishment, actually nodded and delved into, his pocket, fetrieving two toffees which be

handed over to her.

“What? You really have swith you?” Grinning, Hadley waved the candies. “Toffee! You remembered | love

these, Ernest?”

“Yes,” he responded with a nod and a cheerful grin.

“This is wonderful!” Exclaiming with delight, Hadley unwrapped one and popped it into her mouth “Mmm, it's

really sweet... and so good, thank you, Ernest.”

All Ernest did was smile back at her.

From outside, Linda watched silently, unable to hear their conversation, but a cold feeling washed over her.

Meanwhile, Eric looked away absentmindedly, his fingers tightening around his car keys. “I should go now. It's

tto fetch the car.”

“Wait a moment!”

Linda suddenly reached out and gripped Eric's arm.

Eric, startled, furrowed his brow. “What's going on?”

“Um...” Linda's voice trembled, her emotions in turmoil.

The revelation that Hadley was the person Ernest cherished had left her uneasy.

What could she possibly do now?

Nyla made a promise to Hadley’s late grandmother that she'd treat Hadley as her own granddaughter, so Hadley

was inseparably linked to the Flynn family.

She visited today for Nyla’s doctor appointment, but what reason would she invent to return tomorrow?

As long as Hadley continued to appear in this house, how could Ernest possibly forget her?

Just today, he had handed her candy and shared a smile. What might happen the next time?

What if he recovered completely?

“What's the matter?” Eric was concerned, noticing Linda’s prolonged silence and distressed look. “Linda, are you

okay?”

Linda chewed on her lower lip, her nerves taut, before finally asking. “Eric, can you do something for me?”

“What do you need?” Eric responded, perplexed.

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Chapter 140 Candy And Smile

Hesitantly, Linda asked, “Could you... could you consider reconciling with Hadley?”

Eric was taken aback. “What? Why would you suggest that? Are you aware of the opposition from Denver's

family?”

Regardless of whether Linda knew about Denver's family’s disapproval of their relationship, Eric wondered why

she would propose such a thing.

It was unlikely Linda felt sympathy for Hadley, thinking she was alone and needed someone-Eric, for example

-to take care of her.

Linda and Hadley had never been that close.

“You...”

Eric was about to delve deeper, but he noticed a sudden shift in Linda’s demeanor to one of outright alarm.

Her idea had been simple: if Hadley had other potential partners, perhaps Ernest would stop thinking about

her so much.

She hadn't anticipated any complications with Denver.

“They're against it?” Linda's voice cracked slightly. “Does that mean they've split up?”

“I'm not sure,” Eric said with a pause. “It might happen soon, though.”

“Impossible!”

Panic surged through Linda, her heart tightening with alarm. In a reflex of desperation, she seized Eric's arm.

“Don’t you see? This is your moment!”

Just then, unbeknownst to them, Hadley began to approach from behind, heading straight towards the door

where they stood.

“Linda, please, take a breath.” Eric's brow furrowed with concern. “What's making you push this so hard?”

“Eric!”

Tears welled up in Linda's eyes as she pleaded, “For Ernest's sake, and for mine, could you reconsider being with

Hadley?”

“Linda...”

“Con! You don’t hate her as much anymore, do you?”

“No, Linda...”

Something was amiss with how emotional Linda was getting, and Eric felt uneasy. “Settle down, why are you...

Hadley?”

His eyes fell on Hadley.

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Calmly adjusting her backpack, Hadley interrupted, “I need to leave now, sorry.”

“Oh, right.” Eric nodded, startled from his thoughts. “Hold on, Hadley, letdrive you.”

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“There's no need...”

“But Grandma askedto. I'll be quick!”

Watching Eric dash off toward the garage, Hadley turned decisively to grand gates.

“Stop!”

Linda reached out, grabbing her arm. “Eric just told you to wait!“”

“Let go!”

Hadley freed herself from Linda's grasp with a forceful shake, sending Linda stumbling backwards.

“Hadley!”

Regaining her balance, Linda leaned against the wall.

“What do you want?” Before Linda could utter another word, Hadley interjected, “Linda, do you really think I'm

defenseless? Go ahead, try to touchagain.”

Raising her fist, Hadley replied, “If you try anything, I'll defend myself! | might struggle against a man, but I can

certainly take you on.”

She then flicked her ponytail dismissively and departed without a backward glance.

Linda remained motionless, struck by the realization that Hadley wasn’t the sas before.

Once merely a sweet, uncomplicated presence that Ernest adored, Hadley seemed transformed. Would he be

more attracted to her now?

Moments later, Eric appeared, driving swiftly from the garage. “Where did Hadley go?”

“She just left,” Linda responded, gesturing towards the gates. “You might catch her if you hurry.”

Eric found it odd, his mind swirling with confusion over Linda’s sudden push for him to follow Hadley.

“What are you waiting for? Chase her!” Linda said urgently.

“Okay,” he responded quickly.

He accelerated, his car swiftly disappearing down the road.

During his pursuit, he spotted a taxi pulling up to Hadley.

Without hesitation, Eric parked his car and rushed out, catching Hadley by the wrist.

“Hadley!” he called out.

Hadley turned, her gaze sharp and intense, and with a fierce look, she said forcefully, “Let go!”