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

Chapter 196 Can You CDown, Or Should | Just...

Hadley returned to her apartment to find Joy already tucked in for the night.

Melba, however, was still awake, seated on the sofa and folding laundry fresh from the dryer.

Noticing Hadley enter, Melba whispered, “Hey, you're back? Joy's asleep. Once | finish here, I'll go sit with her.”

“Thank you for everything, Melba,” Hadley said earnestly.

It wasn’t mere courtesy; she meant

every word.

Joy's special needs demanded extra care, even during the late hours. Though Melba was compensated, tending

to Joy’s nighttroutine required more than just a paycheck-it took genuine kindness.

“You're too sweet,” Melba replied with a gentle laugh. “I raised my daughter on my own too, so | know how tough

it can be sometimes.”

Because Melba had navigated the challenges of single parenthood herself, she deeply understood Hadley’s

situation.

Hadley nodded. “It’s late. I'll go wash up. You should get srest to

too.

“Alright,” Melba replied, smiling. As Hadley headed toward the bathroom, she called back, “I'll stay with Joy

tonight. You deserve a break.”

“That's wonderful,” Melba said, returning to the clothes she was folding, a look of relief crossing her face. Half an

hour later, Hadley stepped into Joy's room. The little girl was sprawled across the bed like a tiny frog. head

turned sideways, with her small mouth slightly open and a gentle snore escaping her lips.

“Such a little snorer,” Hadley murmured, smiling fondly as she touched her daughter's forehead. With the heater

on, Joy’s skin felt warm beneath the light blanket, beads of perspiration dotting her brow.

Hadley stretched out on the narrow bed beside her child, though she wasn’t quite sleepy yet.

She couldn’t deny that ever since returning to Srixby, their life had been steadily improving And now, she was

expecting again...

“Joy.” Hadley whispered, softly squeezing her daughter's plump little fist. “My brave, strong darling-just a bit

more time, and you'll be going to school and making friends, just like any other kid.”

She closed her eyes, blinking against the sudden wetness gathering there.

100

Chapter 196 Can You CDown Or Should | Just CUp

The next morning, the rich aroma of breakfast wafted through the kitchen.

Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt

Hadley emerged from the bedroom, gently carrying Joy and settling her on the sofa before handing her a bottle.

“Drink swater first, sweetie,” she said.

That morning ritual was something Hadley had taught Joy early on.

“Okay,” Joy said, grasping the bottle with both hands, her wide eyes darting around happily.

“Mommy, it smells so good.”

“You've got a keen nose, little one.” Hadley smiled, tapping the tip of Joy’s nose. “There's a fruit pie in the oven.

You want some?”

“Yes!” Joy's face lit up. “I love those! Did you make it, Mommy?”

“Sure did.”

“Amazing!” Joy spoke, practically bouncing with excitement. “Even though you're busy, you still made my

favorite pie. Thank you, Mommy!”

She flung her arms around Hadley, pressing a noisy kiss to her cheek.

*You're welcome, honey.”

A tiny pang of guilt tugged at Hadley, she'd been busy lately and hadn't spent enough twith Joy.

But that was going to change-no more wasting energy on irrelevant people or .

Today was her day off, and she could devote it entirely to her daughter.

“Con! Let's get you a slice of that pie.”

Hadley lifted Joy and carried her into the dining room, where Melba had just taken the pie from the oven and

placed it on the table.

The fruit pie looked golden and mouthwatering.

Hadley sliced a piece and placed it on Joy’s special plate, passing her a small spoon. “Dig in.”

“Thanks, Mommy,” Joy said, carefully scooping up a bite and blowing on it before tasting

“Hot! Hot!” Joy squeaked.

Hadley nodded with a gentle laugh. “Yes, be careful. You're such a smart girl, blowing on your food so you don’t

burn your tongue.”

“Mmm-hmm.”

Joy tucked her face closer to the plate and took another bite. “So yummy. Nobody cooks better than you,

Mommy.”

“Slow down,” Hadley said to her, standing up. “I'll get you smilk.”

Once she prepared the milk and handed Joy the bottle, Hadley’s phone rang.

29.0%

Chapter 196 Can You CDown, Or Should! Just CUp

Seeing Eric's non the screen, she frowned.

What could he want now? She let the call go unanswered.

Almost immediately, a text appeared. “I'm outside your apartment building. Can you cdown, or should | just

cup?”

Hadley felt her heart jolt. She pushed the curtain aside, confirming that Eric's car was indeed parked right below.

Had he been keeping watch?

The phone rang again, leaving her with little choice but to answer.

His voice was calm yet insistent.

“I'm aware you share the apartment with someone else and they have a child. I'd prefer not to intrude, but I'm

concerned about you-and when I'm worried, convenience doesn’t matter. You understand, don’t you?”

After a moment's pause, he added, “Hadley, are you coming down?”

She exhaled a weary sigh, knowing she couldn't refuse.

“Just givea minute.”

“I'll wait.”

Five minutes later, Hadley found herself stepping outside to meet him.

“Hi,” Eric said the moment she emerged.

He stepped out of his car and gestured toward the passenger seat. “Get in.”

She frowned, clearly reluctant, but it was better than risking Melba bringing Joy downstairs if this dragged on.

With a sigh, she slid into the car.

They pulled away from the neighborhood, and Hadley fixed Eric with a direct look. “What's going on? If there's

something you need to say, just say it.”

Eric kept both hands on the wheel, a slight smile touching his lips. “I'm taking you somewhere. You're off work

today, right?

Hadley eyed him warily. “What do you mean, takingsomewhere? My day off has nothing to do with you.

Don’t forget-we broke up. Just last night!”

He gave no reply, as if he hadn't heard her. She felt her nerves spike.

Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm

“I asked you a question! Where are you taking me?”

She had no intentions of going on another date with him!

“Relax,” he said calmly, sparing her a quick glance. “You'll know when we get there.”

Hadley then recognized the route almost right away-it led straight to Irondeer Road, a hub of upscale boutique

She couldn't help but wonder why Eric was taking her there.

56.6%

Chapter 196 Can You CDown, Or Should | Just CUp

When they finally arrived, Eric brought her into FOUR Hours, a familiar spot known to be part of the Flynn.

family’s fashion line.

The moment they approached the entrance, the store manager and staff hurried out to greet them

“Mr. Flynn, welcome,” the manager said, and then turned to Hadley with a warm smile. “Hello, Miss Pearson.”

Hadley raised an eyebrow. They actually knew who she was?

“Please, cinside,” the manager said.

Eric gave a brief nod and led Hadley into the store.

The manager followed closely, addressing her in an apologetic tone.

Apparently, Phillips had called and mentioned that Hadley wasn’t happy with the items she’d received last t-

and that, in turn, had displeased Eric, which terrified the store manager.

“Miss Pearson, we're so sorry the clothes we sent previously didn’t meet your expectations. Could you let me

know what style you prefer? I'll be more than happy to suggest snew pieces,” the manager explained.

What?

Hadley frowned slightly, glancing at Erie in confusion. Just what was going on here?

Recommended for you

WARRYING A SECRET DILLIONARE

HAPPY

Ever After

Marrying A Secret Zillionaire: Ha...

Linsey was stood up by her groom to run off with another woman. Furious, she gr...

Trending Stories « No.2

Read

100.0%