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

Chapter 159 Are You Accepting My Offer

What was that?

Hadley raised her head, her eyes wet with tears, and stared at Eric.

His commitment to Linda was unmistakable, perhaps influenced by his loyalty to Ernest.

The connection between the brothers was undeniable.

It seemed Eric feared he might lose control and betray Ernest's trust, didn’t he?

Feeling a deep sadness, Hadley felt her tears ceased. “Your loyalty knows no bounds,” she said.

For Linda, his support was always unwavering.

“Hadley?” Eric's face showed confusion; he couldn't grasp her thoughts.

She looked back at him, her smile vanishing, and asked gravely, “Is there really no other choice for you?”

Taken aback, Eric pondered if another like Hadley could possibly exist.

He affirmed with a nod. “Yes, you're the one and only.”

A sarcastic chuckle broke from her, and Hadley, finding a brief humor in the moment, rose to her feet.

As she stood up, Hadley’s legs felt weak, causing her to sway a bit. Eric quickly reached out. “Be careful.” He

observed her recent tears. “Feeling dizzy?”

“I'm okay.” Hadley firmly shook her head, distancing herself from his touch. “I understand what you mean. I'm

just exhausted. | need to rest.”

“I can help you to...”

“No need!” Hadley interrupted sharply, spinning to face him with a stern look. “Don’t cafter me. | mean it -

don’t!”

“Hadley...

.." Eric’s brow furrowed, his concern evident. How could he leave her alone in such a state? “Didn't you say you

wanted me?” Her tone was laced with bitterness. “Are you not even listening tonow?”

“I...” Eric paused, taken aback by her sharpness. He stood motionless, unsure how to proceed.

Hadley gave a smirk, turned on her heel, and strode away.

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“Hadley!”

Eric watched her leaving, caught in a moment of indecision. “So... are you accepting my offer>"

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Chapter 159 Are You Accepting My Offer

Without turning, Hadley closed her eyes briefly, took a deep breath, and continued on her path without a

backward glance.

The departure from Blathe was now scheduled.

For this journey, Hadley ensured Joy would accompany the dance troupe, securing her a first-class seat to make

her travel as comfortable as possible given her fragile health.

The expense was something Hadley took upon herself to cover.

Then there was their living situation to consider.

The apartment on West Twelfth Alley that Hadley had been renting was proving too cramped and not the best

place to raise a child.

She had taken possession of the house Eric offered, but it felt overwhelmingly large and was inconveniently

located far from the troupe's activities.

Hadley was considering finding a more suitable apartment-a cozier, smaller one-and also needed to hire a live-

in nanny for Joy.

This taround, she was better equipped. She had already browsed online and selected a potential apartment.

The real estate agent had arranged a video call to tour the apartment, and upon her return, Hadley planned to

complete the lease agreement and move in.

Regarding the nanny, Colleen had someone in mind.

The recommended person was the mother of Colleen’s junior fellow apprentice.

Being a single mother, she had raised her child independently, juggling various part-tjobs while her

daughter was in school.

Now with her daughter studying abroad, she was struggling to find any full-temployment due to her age and

everything.

Colleen had thus recommended her to Hadley. “She’s completely available-ideal for looking after Joy.”

“That's excellent news.” Hadley breathed a sigh of relief. “I appreciate it, Colleen.”

“What are you thankingfor?” Colleen brushed off the thanks casually. “It’s a fair exchange. She gains

employment, and you get help with Joy. It’s beneficial for everyone involved.”

Now that Hadley had everything arranged from her side, the only remaining step was for the dance troupe to

finalize their itinerary. After that, they would be set to depart.

Hadley reached the airport well ahead of time, making sure Joy was safely escorted by the ground staff.

“This kind lady will accompany you onto the plane shortly,” Hadley explained to Joy.

Joy, gripping the card hanging around her neck, looked up anxiously. “Aren’t you coming with me, Mom?”

Regretfully, Hadley couldn't accompany her; she needed to stay with the troupe and handle things as she was

one of the few dancers who hadn’t been injured.

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Chapter 159 Are You Accepting My Offer

Hadley had made arrangements for Joy to travel as an unaccompanied minor.

Kneeling down, she looked Joy in the eye. “Mommy has work to do, so | won't be able to sit with you, but we're

on the sflight, okay?”

“Okay!” Joy nodded, her face showing understanding. “I'll be okay, Mom. I'll listen to the lady and be good.”

“You're such a good girl,” Hadley said, handing Joy to the attendant with a grateful smile. “Thank you for taking

care of her.”

The attendant smiled back. “It’s absolutely my pleasure.”

Hadley gave Joy one last gentle reminder to behave herself, and then, with a heavy heart, turned and joined the

waiting troupe.

The attendant escorted Joy to the first-class lounge, a privilege afforded by her ticket and the service she was

enrolled in.

Joy carried nothing but her cherished plush toy, which the attendant carefully held for her.

As they settled into the lounge, the attendant gently asked, “Should | place your toy here?”

“Thanks!” Joy responded, nodding appreciatively as she clutched her large toy.

The toy, quite noticeable, caught the eyes of many around, including Eric, who was intrigued by its familiarity. It

resembled the pricey one he’d helped Hadley purchase.

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His attention shifted from the toy to Joy.

With a softer expression, Eric rose and approached her. “Joy.”

Joy looked up, briefly startled but quickly smiling widely. “Sir! It’s so good to see you again!”

“Indeed,” Eric replied, returning her smile. He felt a certain fate had brought them together again.

“And where might you be off to today?”

Beaming with joy, she said, “I'm staying with Mom forever now! No more long trips away!”

“Is that so?” Eric’s surprise was evident, but he was visibly pleased.

He nodded and said, “That sounds wonderful.”

“It really is!” Joy's enthusiasm was evident. “I love my mom more than anyone else.”

Just then, an announcement over the public address system caught Eric's attention-it was tfor him to board

the plane. He was heading to Prineville, not on the sroute as Joy and Hadley.

“One second, Joy,” Eric said warmly, giving her head a gentle pat.

He quickly stepped over to a nearby shop and returned with a treat-a pack of strawberry milk, bringing a joyful

sparkle to Joy's eyes.

“This is for you, little one.” Eric passed the strawberry milk to Joy. “I need to leave now, goodbye.”

Joy took it gratefully, holding it carefully with both hands. “Thanks! Bye-bye, sir!”

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Chapter 159 Are You Accepting My Offer

“Take care,” Eric responded, waving as he turned towards the gate.

Once on the plane, he pulled out his phone to check it.

It had been stsince he last saw Hadley, back at the hospital. The last Whatmessage he had sent

her lingered on the screen.

“Hadley, would you consider being with me?”

There was no response from her end.

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