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

Chapter 206 What Is Dad

Eric whispered his confession, pressing his flushed face against Hadley’s shoulder, too afraid to look up.

He was nervous!

At this point in his life, Eric had never imagined himself saying anything like that.

His heart pounded wildly, so fast it felt like it would leap out of his throat.

Hadley stood motionless, her eyes glued to their reflections, seeing nothing but the tall man pressed anxiously

behind her and her own startled expression staring back.

Did Eric really just say what she thought he said?

Was he confessing feelings for her?

This had to be skind of ridiculous prank!

Who in their right mind would buy that story?

Once they'd left FOUR Hours behind, Hadley decided it was tto return to her own apartment.

Eric, still basking in their reunion, wasn’t thrilled about ending their day so soon.

“Why the rush to leave? We could spend tonight-"

| need rest,” Hadley interrupted firmly, sinking back wearily into the car seat.

Noticing the exhaustion shadowing her face, Eric softened his tone. “You really worn out?”

“Yeah.”

She shot him an exasperated look. “It’s your fault I'm completely drained. Please, Eric, just letgo hand

catch up on sleep. | haven't seen a good night's rest in days.”

A yawn escaped her lips, emphasizing her point. “So tired...”

Still reluctant to part, Eric persisted gently. “If you're exhausted, csleep at Silver Villas instead. It's way

more comfortable. Your apartment is tiny-"

“Eric Hadley gave him a sharp look. “Do you really think that just because we're back together, you're suddenly

entitled to special treatment?”

Yet secretly, she admitted to herself that spending this ttogether with Eric had taught her something-Eric

was surprisingly manageable, as long as she steered clear of mentioning breakup or crossing paths with Linda.

She replied sharply. “If that’s your idea, you might as well forget it right now. The things you said to ma th day-

they still sting Don’t assI've let it go.”

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Chapter 206 What is Dad

“The things | said? That’s-” Immediately, Eric scrambled to justify himself.

“Hmm?” Hadley tilted her head skeptically. “Are you denying it?”

Eric sighed quietly, shoulders sinking as he admitted, “No, you're right.”

Back then, he'd accused her of being wilful, overbearing-even arrogant.

“Humph Hadley smirked, leaned back, and closed her eyes. “Just taketo my place.”

“Alright.”

Clearly, she hadn't gotten over it. Eric knew there was nothing else to do but reluctantly drive her home.

Once they reached the gate, Hadley gestured him to stop. “You can stop here. Your car always attracts extra

attention at security, and it's annoying”

Honestly, she was terrified he might bump into Joy if he drove inside.

Joy would usually be out strolling with Melba at this hour, increasing the odds of an awkward encounter..

Scooping up her bag. Hadley quickly hopped out and began jogging into the neighborhood.

“Be careful!”

Eric poked his head from the car window, calling out after her, “Senda text or givea call when you reach

hsafely!”

“Iwill”

Without glancing back, Hadley casually waved a hand, her voice fading softly into the crisp winter air.

From his vantage point, Eric watched her disappear, easily spotting her vivid red coat-newly collected from FOUR

Hours her long hair dancing gently in the breeze.

“She's really breathtaking.” Eric whispered to himself, eyes fixed on the empty street long after she'd vanished,

finally pulling away only when he could no longer justify lingering.

Cruising aimlessly along the road, he wondered bitterly what to do with the rest of his suddenly empty day.

His fingers tapped restlessly on the steering wheel until something ahead caught his eye. He suddenly slammed

on the brakes

Did he just see correctly? Was his mind playing tricks?

A jolt shot through him. He backed up slightly for another look-and this time, there was no doubt. It was Joy. He

hadn't been mistaken!

Near the city’s winding river sat the apartment complex where Hadley resided, a modest neighborhood known

not for luxurious amenities, but for its sprawling riverside park.

Melba brought Joy there every day to socialize and play.

Several other neighborhood kids gathered too, often escorted by grandparents or caretakers much like Melba

herself

Laughter and playful shouts echoed through the park as the grown-ups sat together on benches, exchanging

Chapter 206 What Is Dad

small talk while watching the children having fun.

Joy stood out among them, being one of only two girls in the group-her sweet personality quickly winning over

everyone around her.

A little boy approached her eagerly, clearly determined to catch her attention.

“Joy, look-1 brought this for you.”

In his tiny palm sat a bright, unfamiliar candy, wrapped in shiny paper she had never seen before.

“Does it taste good?” she asked, eyes sparkling.

“It’s the best candy ever.”

The boy nodded earnestly and peeled off the wrapper like a little gentleman. “Joy, open your mouth...”

“Ah.”

Joy parted her lips trustingly, letting him drop the candy onto her tongue.

“What do you think?”

“It’s delicious!” Joy smiled, her eyes curving, “It’s sweet and sour, really tasty. It's my first thaving this

candy.”

“You really liked it?”

Excited, the little boy bounced enthusiastically. “I'll bring even more tomorrow. My dad bought tons from his trip,

so | can share two-wait, five-with you...”

He started counting clumsily on his fingers, eager but unsure.

However, Joy tilted her head thoughtfully, confused by one of the words he’d used. “What's that word you said...

‘dad’? What's a dad?”

Puzzled himself, the boy stared back blankly. “Well, my dad is just my dad.”

Seeing Joy still puzzled, he explained earnestly, “You know how you have a mom, right? A dad is the other person

you have at home.”

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Suddenly, the boy's mother called him.

Hearing the familiar voice, the little boy glanced upward eagerly. “Mommy!”

Excitedly, he turned back to Joy, waving energetically. “My mommy's calling me-I gotta go now! But I'll come

back tomorrow and bring more candy for you Bye-bye, Joy!

He dashed away, leaving Joy standing behind, still caught up in her confusion.

“Joy”

Crouching quietly beside the small girl was Eric, who had reversed his car after spotting her from the street.

“Hey, kiddo He offered her a warm, friendly grin “Do you still remember who | am?”

“Yes” Joy tilted her head slightly, nodding slowly. “I do remember You're the man who writes notes to Mommy

withand buysstrawberry milk. Hello.”

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Chapter 206 What is Dad

“You've got a sharp memory.”

Reaching out gently, he lightly tousled the child's soft hair.

Today, Joy had on an adorable hat with fluffy bear ears that framed her small face perfectly

Yet something about her seemed off. The usual sparkle in her eyes was missing, replaced by a serious frown

“Something troubling you, Joy?”

Children weren't his area of expertise, but Joy was different-she had earned his patience somehow.

“Is there something making you sad?”

“I'm not sad.”

Her small face was thoughtful as she carefully asked, “Does every child get to have a mom and... a dad?” Eric

paused, momentarily lost for words at her unexpected question.

He finally nodded slowly. “Usually, yes.”

Joy hesitated briefly, and then continued softly, “Then... do moms and dads always belong together?”

“They do,” Eric said gently, feeling touched by the innocence of her question.

“That's how it usually works-a mom and a dad form a family. Then, there goes their baby.”

But why was she asking this all of a sudden?

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Too Late, Mr. Billionaire You Can't AffordNow