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

Chapter 162 Never Seen Him This Happy

Eric felt a wave of uncertainty wash over him, craving skind of assurance.

Seizing the moment, he gripped Hadley’s hand and lifted it toward Nyla. “Grandma, Hadley and I... we're

together now.”

He glanced at Hadley, adding, “Hadley, Grandma might have a hard tbelieving me. Why don’t you tell her?”

“Hadley?”

Nyla’s skeptical gaze never wavered, her eyes fixed on Hadley.

Under the weight of both their stares, Hadley took a steadying breath, a faint smile tugging at her lips. “Yes,

we're together.”

“Ah!”

Nyla gasped, her hands flying to her mouth in pure excitement. “Seriously? Is this for real?”

“Grandma, I'm serious-it’s true!” Eric raised an eyebrow, pride clear in his expression. “Hadley said it herself.

Still don’t believe it?”

“I believe it!”

Nyla nodded eagerly, her joy spilling over. “I'm just so happy! Oh my goodness, this is amazing!”

Though she still couldn’t quite figure out what had happened between Hadley and Denver, Nyla’s heart

instinctively leaned toward her own grandson.

How could she not? The way Eric's grin stretched from ear to ear-it had to be a good sign!

Nyla clapped her hands in delight, linking arms with Hadley. “I really want to pop open a bottle of champagne to

celebrate now!”

The three of them made their way down the stairs, laughter and conversation flowing easily.

Eric quickened his steps. “I'll have Kira whip up ssoup-Hadley’s feeling a little dizzy from the hangover.”

“Oh.”

Nyla paused for a moment, her expression softening before she burst into laughter.

You've changed, huh? Finally starting to care about others? Haha...”

It was clear now-her grandson was serious this time.

Looking at him now, it was hard to believe how much Eric had changed. Gone was the reluctance of years ago;

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< Chapter 162 Never Seen Him This Happy

now, he was genuinely thoughtful when it cto Hadley.

At the door, Linda wheeled Ernest inside, their entrance met with the sounds of Nyla’s laughter echoing from

within.

“Nyla, what's got you so cheerful?” Linda’s eyes fell on Hadley, and she couldn’t help but comment, “Hadley’s

here! No wonder you're in such a good mood.”

Nyla chuckled, shaking her head, giving Hadley’s hand a gentle pat. “Actually, you arrived just in time. I've got

sgood news for you-"

“What's the good news?”

“You won't believe it-Eric and Hadley are together!” Nyla’s smile stretched wider, her happiness unmistakable.

“Isn't this great news?”

Linda froze, glancing at Eric, who had just walked out of the kitchen.

Her eyes searched for confirmation, while Ernest, too, watched with a curious look, his gaze questioning.

Eric shifted uncomfortably under their stares. “Why is everyone staring at me?”

He turned to Hadley, offering a smile and a nod. “Yes, it's true. Didn't | already tell Grandma?”

“You brat,” Nyla said as she pointed a finger at him, “since you were the one who made the first move this time,

you'd better treat Hadley right! Or I'll hold you accountable!”

“Grandma, don’t worry,” Eric promised earnestly, his eyes never leaving Hadley. “I'll take good care of her.”

“Well,” Nyla turned to Ernest. “You, as the older brother, heard him. If Eric slips up, you'd better hold him

accountable too!”

“Mm...”

Ernest, sitting in his wheelchair, managed a forced smile and nodded slowly.

His gaze lingered on Hadley, a quiet depth in his eyes.

Linda caught the look and couldn't suppress a sneer.

Was Ernest upset? But what would that change?

Hadley had once been his sister-in-law.

In a way, she still was.

No matter how deep his feelings for her ran, he had to bury them. It was the only choice.

“Nyla,” Linda said, steadying the wheelchair, “Ernest didn’t get much rest at the hospital last night. | brought

him back early this morning so he could sleep. I'll take him to his room now.”

“Alright, alright,” Nyla replied, nodding with understanding and stepping aside. “You two go on ahead and get

srest.”

“Okay”

Linda gently wheeled Ernest upstairs.

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She settled Ernest into his bed, giving his hand a soft pat. “Get srest. I'll check on you soon.”

As she stood to leave, Ernest reached out, gripping her hand.

“Ernest?”

Linda glanced down at him, seeing the complexity in his gaze. Though he could manage short sentences now,

words seemed beyond his reach with her.

But Linda could read the uncertainty in his eyes.

He and Hadley were a lost cause now...

She squeezed his hand reassuringly, her voice soft. “Ernest, let's leave the past behind, okay? From now on, let's

focus on living our own lives well.”

He stared at her for a long moment before giving a reluctant nod. “Mm, okay.”

Linda felt a sharp pang of unease. Was he agreeing out of obligation? Was letting go of Hadley truly so difficult

for him?

When she went downstairs again, Eric was just about to head to the garage to fetch the car and take Hadley

out,

“Eric,” Linda called out.

“Linda,” Eric replied, his expression unexpectedly bright.

Linda paused, taken aback. Eric seemed genuinely happy. She'd known him the longest in this family, but she'd

never seen him this happy.

Was it Hadley? Was being with her the source of this newfound joy?

Ha! What made her so special? How did she manage to capture both Flynn brothers‘ hearts so entirely?

Hadley cup from behind.

Linda noticed and shot Eric a sharp look. “Eric, | want to thank you.”

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Eric blinked, confused. “Thankfor what?”

“For what | asked last time...” Linda's voice wavered, her eyes misting slightly. “I never thought you'd actually do

it. You and Hadley really...”

“Linda!”

Upon realizing the direction her words were heading, Eric's face drained of color. A cold sweat broke out across

his forehead as he quickly cut her off, his hand instinctively reaching behind her.

“Hadley!”

Linda feigned surprise, forcing a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Hadley, | didn’t see you there. You

leaving already?”

Hadley didn’t respond, walking straight for the door without a word.

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Chapter 162 Never Seen Him This Happy

“Are you coming withor not? If not, I'll just call a ne

She pulled out her phone, fingers tapping swiftly as she tried to find herself a ober, her tone dearly directed at

Dric

I'm coming” Eric rushed after her, catching her arm. No need for a car. Il drive you”

He could only guess she'd overheard Linda's words again.

“Um..*

Eric rubbed his brow, frustration creeping in honestly don’t know why she said that...

“Who?”

Hadley’s frown deepened, her irritation clear.

“Is that about your sister-in-law? if it is, don’t bother. Her nalone irritates me.”

With that, Hadley shook him off and started toward the door.

“Don’t” Eric quickly grabbed her arm. | won't bring her up again!”

He knew they'd never gotten along, but he hadn't realized just how much Hadley disliked her. Fearing she might

leave, he held on tighter. “Cwithto the garage. We'll leave from there.” Hadley didn’t answer, but she

allowed him to pull her toward the garage and into the car.

She remained silent the entire way out of Flynn Mansion, her face locked in a stern expression

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