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

Chapter 119 Keep Her At Arm's Length

Linda chose not to delve into the recent events that had unfolded. Instead, she kept the conversation light, as

was her custom.

“Sorry | arrived a bit later than usual today. The chill in the air has settled in. Just stepping from the car made my

cheeks feel the bite of the cold. Here, feel it. Isn't it brisk?”

She gently pressed her cheek against Ernest’s palm as she spoke.

Ernest's brow furrowed slightly, and a tremor ran through his fingers as he lowered his hand, attempting to

pull away.

Linda’s heart raced.

Was he intentionally distancing himself from her?

Maintaining her composure, she replied with warmth, “Is your arm weary? | apologize for making you hold it

up.”

Ernest opened his mouth, but only a raspy, muffled sound cforth.

Linda instantly grasped his need. After caring for him for so long, she recognized his signals like an old friend.

“You need to use the restroom, right? Just a moment...”

She started toward the bathroom to get his bedpan.

But Ernest tugged at her shirt, shaking his head slowly, his brow knitted in concern.

She understood his gesture, yet confusion washed over her.

“Ernest, I'm your fiancee. We might as well be married, wedding or not. Letassist you, please.”

still, he shook his head, his forehead creased in refusal.

With a hand pressed to her temple, she felt a wave of resignation. “Alright, I'll call the caregiver.”

Ernest had a duo of caregivers, one male and one female.

As Linda stood up, a pang of unease fluttered in her chest.

She really didn’t get it.

What was happening with Ernest? Ever since he regained consciousness, he had been keeping her at arm’s

length.

He permitted her to wipe his face and help him sip water, but when it cto using the bathroom or a full-

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Chapter 119 Keep Her At Arm’s Length

body clean, he insisted on the presence of a caregiver.

Why?

They had shared so much intimacy.

Perhaps he simply didn’t want her to witness him at his most vulnerable. Linda clung to that thought for

comfort.

Since Ernest still couldn't articulate his needs, she felt powerless to argue with him.

A week later, Hadley meticulously combed through the script, recording her interpretations of the female roles

with care.

She handed the hefty stack of notes to Adonis.

“Mr. Faulkner, here you are.”

Adonis accepted it, visibly taken aback. “This is quite a pile.”

“Yes...” Hadley felt a twinge of self-consciousness. “I've never tackled anything like this before, so | jotted down

every thought that crossed my mind.”

“No problem at all.” Adonis admired her approach. “This kind of attitude is the first step toward success. I'll

review it and get back to you.”

“Okay.”

The outcwas that Adonis walked away quite pleased.

However, casting for a show was not solely his decision. As the director, he still had to answer to the producer

and the investor. The former held overall authority, while the latter provided the funds. Together, they wielded

real power.

Plus, bringing a new face into the fold cwith its own set of challenges.

One evening after the filming, Elvin sought out Hadley.

“Hadley, Mr. Faulkner wants you to join us for dinner tomorrow night.”

Before she could ask for specifics, Elvin winked conspiratorially.

“As of now, you're the only woman on our radar for this new project. Don’t sweat it when you meet the producer

and the investors. Mr. Faulkner and | will have your back.”

So it was a dinner with the big wigs.

Hadley felt an unshakeable hesitation, though she couldn't quite put her finger on why.

still, she nodded. “Understood.”

The next day, knowing she was about to meet the heavyweights, Hadley chose a coffee-toned evening gown—

elegant and flattering to her figure.

Following Elvin’s directions, she arrived punctually at the venue to find him.

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“Hadley.” Elvin waved her over. “Con, Mr. Faulkner is already upstairs.

“Alright.”

Inside the elevator, Elvin let out a deep sigh, a shadow of concern crossing his face.

“Mr. Webster?” Hadley asked, puzzled. “What's bothering you?”

Elvin glanced at her, his brow furrowed. “Once we get upstairs, no matter what happens, try to keep your cool.”

What kind of advice was that?

Hadley’s heart began to race. What could possibly happen?

“Here's the thing,” Elvin continued, his voice tense. “I just found out that our producer is Wayne Walters.”

Hadley blinked, utterly clueless. She hadn't officially stepped into the entertainment arena yet. So who was this

Wayne Walters? She was in the dark.

“Wayne, well...” Elvin continued, gritting his teeth, “he has a notorious flaw. He couldn't always keep his hands

to himself.”

Instantly, Hadley’s eyes widened. Was that really just a mere flaw?

“Don’t let it get to you.” Elvin caught her alarm. “With a crowd around, he won't dare cross the line. Plus, he’s

not one of the investors this time, so he can’t push you into anything against your will.”

According to Adonis, the role envisioned for Hadley was the third female lead.

She was a greenhorn, without any acting chops, so he couldn't risk featuring her too much. Still, this particular

part could shine if executed well.

For a small role like that, given Adonis‘ standing in the industry, the producer and backers would at least show

ssemblance of respect.

Elvin wouldn't make any promises, though.

After all, many in this business were looking for shortcuts, willing to compromise their integrity.

If Hadley was inclined to take that road, no one would stand in her way. But judging by her reaction, Elvin

doubted she'd go down that path.

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“It’s just dinner. Relax.”

“I get it, Mr. Webster,” Hadley said, taking a deep breath.

But how could she not feel nervous?

All she could do now was hope that the producer wouldn't overstep.

They ascended the stairs and entered a private suite.

The lights were dim, and Hadley frowned at the low illumination, not to mention the heavy scent of alcohol and

perfthat hung in the air.

Elvin guided her over to Adonis.

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< Chapter 119 Keep Her At Arm’s Length

“Mr. Faulkner, Hadley has arrived.”

“Hi, Hadley.” Adonis beckoned her closer. “Cover here.”

“Okay, Mr. Faulkner.”

Elvin stepped back, making room for her.

“Here, Hadley.”

Adonis gestured to a lean, middle-aged man beside him.

This was the producer.

“Meet Mr. Wayne Walters, our producer.”

“Hello, Mr. Walters.” Hadley offered a slight nod.

“Hello there.”

Wayne's gaze lingered on Hadley, captivated as if she were a rare gem. He was clearly taken aback.

She was genuinely stunning.

Even in a realm filled with beauty, her looks stood out.

“Well, Adonis, you've got an eye for talent,” Wayne said, a knowing grin spreading across his face as he glanced

at Adonis. “Where did you unearth someone so breathtaking?”

“Just a stroke of luck.”

“Chere.” Wayne extended his hand, palm up, beckoning her closer.

The message was unmistakable-he wanted her hand.