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

Chapter 190 A Cheat

Was Linda talking about Ernest?

A puzzled look crossed Eric's face.

His memories of Ernest and Linda painted a picture of harmony; they rarely disagreed.

Ernest, in particular, had always been accommodating ever since they started dating, always putting Linda’s

wishes first.

But what had changed lately?

Ever since Ernest woke up from his

coma, tension seemed to have grown between them.

Yet, Eric couldn't just ignore Ernest's situation. “Linda, perhaps it’s best to discuss everything openly with

Emest

He reached for the door.

Soon after, Ernest entered, his hair and shoulders lightly covered in snow.

“Linda,” he said as he maneuvered his wheelchair closer. “Let’s not trouble Eric and Hadley any further. It's

getting late, they need their rest. Let's go home.”

“I will not go anywhere with you!” Linda’s refusal was adamant, as Eric had anticipated.

Linda’s eyes were red as she sneered. “What's the rush to takeaway? Scared I'll spill your secrets?”

Her gaze deliberately shifted to Hadley.

Confused, Hadley wondered why Linda was involving her in this spat. This was between Linda and Ernest, wasn’t

it?

Linda continued, “Scared they'll learn their respected brother is nothing but a cheat and a scoundrel?”

Shocked, Hadley could hardly believe what she was hearing.

She glanced at Eric, who appeared unfazed by the accusation. Did he already know?

“Linda,” Ernest said, his expression tight with frustration yet marked by a refined handsomeness.

He made another attempt to calm her. “Please, chwith me. You're misunderstanding the situation”

But Linda stood firm. “I won't leave!”

No plea from Ernest could sway Linda “Get out of my sight! | can’t stand looking at you!”

“Linda, please!” Ernest called out desperately as he grabbed her arm. “Let's not cause a scene here, not in front

of Eric and Hadley”

Chapter 190 A Cheat

“ow!” A sharp pain made Linda grimace

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As tears began streaming down her cheeks, she said, “Release me! You're hurting me!”

Upon realizing his mistake, Ernest's expression softened, he had inadvertently grasped the area where Linda had

been burned by spilling milk.

“My apologies,” he said quickly, a look of sincere regret crossing his face. | didn’t mean to hurt you. Remember,

your burn needs more care.”

Carefully, he switched his hold to her other arm.

“Let's go hnow, Linda.”

“No way!” She resisted fiercely, pulling away from his grip.

In desperation, Linda turned to Eric, pleading, “Eric, help me, please. | can’t go back there with him.”

“Linda... Ernest.”

Eric surveyed the tense scene before him, his gaze finally settling on Linda clutching his arm. He made his

position clear.

“If Linda isn’t willing to go back, we shouldn't force her.”

“What?” Ernest shot a questioning look at Hadley, his brow furrowed in confusion. “Are you suggesting we let

Linda stay here?”

Eric avoided a direct response, suggesting instead, “Given Linda’s reluctance, perhaps it’s best to let her settle

down first”

“That's absurd!”

Ernest openly expressed his disagreement, turning to remind his brother, saying, “Did you even consider asking

Hadley if Linda could stay?”

Caught off guard, Eric turned to Hadley, realizing he had overlooked her opinion. He had already extended the

invitation without her input. What if Hadley objected?

Their past disagreements loomed large, not to mention the recent flare-up....

Hadley watched, her arms folded and an eyebrow raised, wondering if he was too intimidated to even consult

her.

His girlfriend was right there, yet Eric had the nerve to invite another woman to stay over? Luckily for him, it

didn’t bother her in the least.

The room grew quiet, the tension was evident.

Ernest gave Linda another look and extended his hand, pleading, “Linda, please cwith me. Don’t impose on

Eric and Hadley”

“I refuse”

Linda believed Ernest was merely siding with Hadley.

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Chapter 190 A Cheat

Did he hold Hadley in such high regard that he'd stand up for her so openly? She was determined not to yield

today.

“This is Eric's home. If he agrees to letstay, why shouldn't I? I'm staying right here, no matter what you

say!”

Ernest's expression turned grim.

Noticing his brother's imitation, Eric intervened, “Ernest. Let's let Linda stay tonight. You can try talking things

over after she’s had tto calm down, alright?”

After a tense

pause, Einest finally glanced at Linda, who stubbornly avoided his gaze. “Fine, if you're set on staving, then stay.

We'll talk when you're ready.”

With that, he maneuvered his wheelchair to leave.

Eric hurried alongside to help him exit. “Ernest, lethelp.”

Quentin was waiting outside.

Eric assisted Ernest into the car, his expression one of restrained curiosity. “Ernest...”

Catching his brother's look, Ernest gave a small chuckle. “What's on your mind?”

With a tense jaw, Eric asked, “Is there really someone else in your life?”

Immediately, Ernest lapsed into silence.

For an extended period, he remained mute.

“Ernest?”

I'm weary. Tto head home.”

Ultimately, Ernest evaded a direct reply. To Quentin, he said, “Let's go.”

“Understood.”

As the vehicle pulled away, Eric was left rooted in place, burdened by a deep unease. Familiar with Ernest's

mannerisms, Eric dreaded that the rumors could be true.

Now, what steps would Linda take?

Hadley stood in the living room, her arms crossed, stifling a yawn.

Eric cback inside

“Perfect timing” Hadley said, questioning his plans “Should | head out now?”

Eric approached and gently caught her wrist. “No need for . Head upstairs, will you?”

“Hmm Hadley quirked an eyebrow. “How am | causing ?”

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She gestured towards Linda. “She’s staying, right? Wouldn't my presence be awkward?”

“Hadley.” Eric’s grip slightly tightened “Linda’s sleeping in the guest room downstairs. Please go upstairs.”

“Guest room?” Hadley’s eyes widened, surprise evident. “You're letting her stay in the guest room?”

What was she even thinking? Trying to prevent another outburst, Eric held back his irritation. “What else did

you expect?”

“Fine,” Hadley muttered, her frown deepening as she shot him a glare. “I'm going up.

She grasped the situation. Ernest's visit required that Eric keep her around.

If he were left alone with Linda, explanations to Ernest later might get complicated.

Indeed, she served as an effective shield.

Releasing herself from Eric's grasp, Hadley pivoted towards the staircase.

Linda, caught off guard, observed the interaction. It was her first glimpse of Eric showing such tenderness to a

woman... The once impulsive young man had mellowed, it seemed.

As Hadley'’s silhouette vanished upstairs, Eric exhaled a sigh of relief and faced Linda.

She looked a mess-hair damp, shoulders wet, eyes puffy from tears.

“Linda.” Eric motioned towards the couch. “Please, have a seat. I'll grab the first aid kit.”

“Okay.”

He went to retrieve the kit.

Returning, he found Linda had prepared herself for treatment, her coat removed and sleeve rolled up, exposing

the burn

The wound was serious-a large red patch covered in clusters of tiny blisters.

With all the dressing and undressing, shad burst, leaving behind a mix of fluid and blood.

Eric’s brows knit together as he reached for a disinfectant swab.

“This might sting,” he warned.

“I'm prepared.” Linda flinched as the swab touched her skin, but Eric was quick. “Just about finished.”

He then gently applied ointment to the burn.

“We'll check how it’s healing in the morning,” he said.

“Okay

As Eric tidied up the first aid supplies, Linda’s voice quivered, a noticeable tightness in her tone.

“Eric, are you heading upstairs already? Maybe you could stay a little longer... could we talk?”

Too Late Mr. Billionaire You Cant AffordNow

Chapter 191 May