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

Hadley’s laughter bubbled up quietly after hearing Eric’s words.

“Something amusing about what I just said?” Eric frowned, baffled by her unexpected reaction.

“Nope.”

She pressed her lips together, trying to hold back the laughter that danced in her eyes. “Mr. Flynn, you've just

unintentionally confessed who truly holds your heart.”

Eric’s confusion only deepened. “What exactly do you mean by that?”

“Well...” Hadley exhaled softly, wondering if he truly couldn't see it himself.

Fine, she'd spell it out clearly.

With deliberate frankness, she said, “You're always fulfilling Linda’s every wish, giving her the very best. By your

own logic, that'll mean the person you actually love is—"

“Hadley!” Eric snapped, cutting her off abruptly, his expression clouding over.

Ignoring the sharp interruption, Hadley tilted her head gently. “Does hearing the truth irritate you that much?”

Reaching up slowly, she straightened his tie.

It had becslightly crooked in his haste earlier.

“Mr. Flynn, just because you can’t marry the person you truly desire doesn’t mean marriage should becyour

consolation prize.”

She finished tidying his tie, fingers carefully releasing the silk.

Eric looked downward briefly before gripping her hand firmly. “Could you take this seriously for a second? Linda

has nothing to do with what's between us. Why do you keep mentioning her?”

So, she wasn't even allowed to say Linda's nnow?

Hadley’s smile lost its playful edge, growing serious. “Alright, letsay this plainly-I won't marry you.”

“What's your reason?” Eric's gaze sharpened suspiciously. “Because you ass| don’t love you?”

That wasn’t the reason at all.

It hardly mattered to Hadley whether or not he loved her. But she couldn’t openly admit that.

Looking at him incredulously, Hadley replied, “Why are you turning this around on me? Isn't the uncertainty

yours to figure out? Proposing marriage right now is impulsive and unfair. Do you really seeas someone

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who'd accept being your backup?”

Eric stiffened. “You know that’s not my intention, it’s just.

He'd never experienced love before.

Truthfully, he had no idea how love was even supposed to feel.

“Don’t bother. It doesn’t matter right now.”

After adjusting Eric’s tie, Hadley withdrew her hands decisively, clearly finished with the conversation “it’s

getting late-taketo the dance troupe.”

“Alright.”

Neither spoke during the short drive.

Once they arrived the dance studio, Hadley quickly unbuckled her seatbelt.

“Hadley...”

Before she could open the door, Eric gently drew her into an embrace.

Holding her backpack tightly, Hadley offered him a soft, reassuring smile. “If you don’t let go now, I'll really be

late.”

“Hadley, just wait a little longer for me.” Eric's fingertips brushed softly through her hair. I'll find the right words

for you-1 promise.”

Then, reluctantly, he released her. “You'd better hurry.”

“I will.”

Stepping out of the car, Hadley felt oddly disconnected from herself.

Even after Eric drove off, she stood rooted to the spot, replaying his words in her mind.

What had he meant by finding the right words?

And what exactly did he think she wanted to hear?

Did he know what he was talking about?

Hadley felt utterly confused by his intentions, but there wasn’t tto dwell on such things now.

Her focus needed to shift quickly-Joy was about to go back to the hospital. Even though it was a routine

admission with basic tests and treatments, the hospital stay would last several days.

Likely, it would be three or maybe five days at most.

Children, unlike adults, found comfort in familiar things, so packing Joy’s belongings required careful attention

to detail.

For two straight days, she and Melba had meticulously prepared everything Joy might need, including her

favorite little blanket.

Hadley had even arranged to take leave from the dance troupe.

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< Chapter 233 Hadley, GiveSTime

That morning, Eric had dropped her off at the studio, but as soon as she stepped inside, Hadley slipped out the

back and took a cab straight to her apartment, where Melba and Joy were waiting

“Mommy's here!”

Joy bolted toward her excitedly, and Hadley scooped her up warmly, while Melba took charge of their luggage.

Soon after, the tdeparted for the hospital.

After settling Joy comfortably into her room and completing all necessary forms, Colden entered alongside a

nurse to perform an initial examination.

“That's my girl!”

Colden affectionately ruffled Joy’s hair and gave her an approving thumbs-up.

“You've been good about taking your medicine, right?”

“Yes!” Joy answered enthusiastically, cuddling closer to Hadley. Her tiny voice was filled with pride, melting

everyone's hearts.

“I always listen to Mommy!”

“Oh, is that right?”

Colden chuckled affectionately and reached into his pocket, producing a brightly wrapped candy. “Guess what

I've got here?”

Joy's eyes widened with wonder. “Wow, is that candy for Joy?”

“Sure is,” Colden answered, smiling gently. “But you'll have to earn it by being brave during today’s tests.

Today's schedule was tough-blood draws and scans, things even adults dreaded, let alone a three-year-old.

“No problem!” Joy declared bravely. “Joy will be the bravest!”

“Good girl!”

Turning toward Hadley, Colden reassured her. “The nurse will stay with Joy the entire time. If you notice she’s

uncomfortable, letknow immediately.”

“Thank you so much, Dr. Torres.”

“You're welcome. I'm just doing my job.”

Scooping Joy into her arms, Hadley kissed her forehead. “Let's be brave together, Joy. It's test time.”

The tests stretched throughout the entire morning.

By the end, Joy slumped wearily against Hadley, breaking her heart a little more with every tired sigh.

“Are you hungry, sweetheart? What do you want for lunch?”

Joy brightened slightly. “Joy wants Mommy's yummy fruit pie!”

Though Melba knew the recipe and stores sold similar pies, Joy insisted only Hadley’s tasted perfect.

“Of course.” Hadley didn’t hesitate for a moment. “Mommy will rush hnow and bake one just for you.”

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Passing Joy gently into Melba’s arms, Hadley instructed softly, “Give Joy sips of water, frequently but in small

amounts.”

“I'll handle it.”

After giving careful instructions, Hadley hurried back toward her apartment.

Holding Joy close, Melba stood patiently outside the testing room.

Only one procedure remained. “Almost there, Joy. Just one more test, and Mommy will be back soon with your

special pie.”

“Okay.”

“Joy?” The nurse stepped out, beckoning gently. “It’s your turn now, sweetie. Let's go inside.”

“Yes, okay.”

By the end, Joy was drained, leaning against Melba for comfort.

“Melba, where's Mommy? Joy wants Mommy...”

Tears filled Melba’s eyes, falling uncontrollably. “Hang in there, sweetheart. Mommy's on her way. Oh, my poor

little one.”

It wasn't fair for a child so small to endure such difficulty.

“Joy?”

A sudden, familiar voice spoke softly as a tall shadow fell over them-Eric stood in front, looking surprised.

Eric had stopped by the hospital to help Linda pick up her prescription; he hadn't expected to encounter Joy

looking so fragile.

Melba met his gaze. “Oh, it's you.”

With tear-stained cheeks, Joy stretched tiny arms toward Eric pleadingly. “Joy wants a hug!”

Eric couldn’t possibly turn her down.

Melba didn’t object either.

She noticed Joy genuinely adored Eric. Besides, she was right there, and no harm could cfrom him

comforting the child.

Perhaps he could ease Joy's suffering, even if only briefly.

“It’s alright. I've got you. You're so brave, Joy.”

Cradling her gently, Eric glanced toward Melba, concern evident. “What exactly is Joy's condition?”