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

Chapter 83 Already Made

A Move On Her

It had been years since Hadley last sat behind the wheel, and her shoulders carried the weight of every second

she spent gripping it. The car crawled down the road, its pace mirroring her hesitation, as if even the engine

shared her nerves.

Eric, however, showed no sign of impatience. He simply reclined in his seat, eyelids drifting shut, the very image

of someone without a single care in the world.

Despite the sluggish journey, they eventually reached Flynn Mansion, safe and sound.

Hadley pulled the car to a stop in front of the house, her knuckles still white from clutching the steering wheel.

Her entire body felt wound tight, strung up like a bowstring pulled too far.

She turned toward the man beside her, hesitating before speaking in a voice just above a whisper. “Eric... we are

here. Wake up.”

A low hum rumbled from his throat as his eyelids parted slightly, his gaze landing on her stiff expression.

His lips twitched, and a chuckle escaped. “You are seriously this nervous? It is just driving.”

gi

Hadley had been swallowing down her frustration for the entire ride, but now it surged like a wave breaking

against a dam. “I told you | did not want to drive! You madedo it! So what if | was nervous? If you think | am

so terrible at it, why did you not drive yourself?!”

Eric blinked, caught off guard.

Right now, she was like a small cat, back arched, fur bristling, finally baring her claws.

And then, he laughed-deep, hearty, and unrestrained. His shoulders shook, amusement lighting up his eyes.

Hadley puffed out her cheeks, her glare sharp enough to cut glass.

How could she have been so blind before? What exactly had she seen in this man?

“Are you mad?”

Eric tried to suppress his laughter, knowing that if he kept going, this little kitten might just sink her fangs into

him. But no matter how hard he tried, he could not ignore the impulse clawing at his chest.

“Hadley, | want to kiss you!” he suddenly declared.

Hadley’s mind went blank.

Before she could react, he had already leaned in, his hands cradling her face as he captured her lips.

His breath was warm, laced with the lingering taste of wine. The kiss was not gentle. It was bold, consuming,

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an unrelenting tide that pulled her under.

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Her eyes widened, shock flashing through her veins like lightning.

Anger surged to the surface, and she pounded against his chest, struggling.

“Mmph-1”

But the instant she parted her lips to protest, he seized the opportunity, deepening the kiss without hesitation.

She was no match for his strength. Not even close.

He was insane. Completely, utterly insane!

What did he take her for? Spossession to grab and kiss whenever he pleased?

Back then, she had chased after him, foolishly clinging to a love that had never belonged to her. And that one

was on her.

But now?

Now, she avoided him at every turn, yet he still did whatever he wanted!

Rage burned through her, scorching her from the inside out. If she could not push him away, should she just -just

bite him?!

Just as she was about to sink her teeth into him, Eric suddenly pulled back.

Then-his head lolled forward, resting against the crook of her neck. And he... did not move.

What on earth was going on?

Hadley froze, breath caught in her throat. “Eric?”

No response.

“Hey. What is wrong with you?”

Still nothing. Hadley swallowed hard. Did he just... fall asleep?

Hesitantly, she lifted a hand, attempting to nudge him off her, but he was too heavy.

“Miss Hadley!”

Thankfully, a voice cut through the silence at that moment. Sebastian emerged from the mansion, his expression

one of mild concern.

“Thank goodness, you finally returned. | was just about to go looking for you.”

“Sebastian!” Relief flooded Hadley’s voice as she gestured frantically. “Chelp! | think he got drunk and fell

asleep!”

Sebastian approached the car and peered inside. “He is definitely asleep. We should get him inside. Allow me.”

“Sorry to trouble you, Sebastian.”

Sebastian waved a hand dismissively. “It is my job.”

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Chapter 83 Already Made A Move On Her

With practiced ease, he hoisted Eric up, half-carrying, half-dragging him toward the house.

Hadley followed closely, hovering at Eric's side just in case he stumbled. The last thing she needed was

someone blaming her for it.

Fortunately, they made it inside without incident.

Just as she was about to turn and leave, a familiar figure stepped out of a nearby room.

“Hadley!” Nyla’s face brightened the moment she saw her.

“Nyla,” Hadley explained quickly, “I... | was just dropping Eric off. He had too much to drink.”

Nyla’s sharp eyes flickered with something unreadable.

Oh?

So her grandson had not been lying after all-he truly had started making his move. Well, well.

Nyla took Hadley’s hand, squeezing it gently.

“It is late. Why don’t you stay and get back in the morning? We can have breakfast together. How's that?”

“But...” Hadley hesitated.

“Be good,” Nyla coaxed, her voice laced with affection. “Do not tellyou do not listen toanymore?”

“That is not it.” Hadley mulled it over before finally giving in.

Eric still had not agreed to letting her get her job back at Galant, and they needed to talk when he was sober.

“Alright then.”

The next morning, Hadley woke early.

Nyla, already awake, was tending to the flowers on the terrace, the soft morning light casting a golden glow over

the petals.

“Hadley, you are up.” She waved her over. “Breakfast is not ready yet. Ckeepcompany for a while.”

“Okay.”

Hadley strolled over and lowered herself onto the small chair beside Nyla.

“Hadley.” Nyla set the pruning shears aside, settling down next to the younger woman with a thoughtful gaze.

Her eyes traced over Hadley carefully, as if seeing her anew. “You have blossomed into such a remarkable young

woman. No wonder the young men are drawn to you. Even | find myself rather fond of you.”

“What?” Hadley’s eyes widened, her voice laced with confusion. “What are you even saying?”

What young men? Where had that idea cfrom?

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“Oh, playing coy now?” Nyla chuckled, and then cut straight to the heart of the matter. “Tell me, isn’t Denver a

young man?”

“We're not...” Hadley let out a soft, exasperated laugh. Was she still clinging to that notion?

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Chapter 83 Already Made A Move On Her

“Alright, alright. Let's set Denver aside for a moment.” Nyla’s warm expression dimmed just a little, replaced by

something more contemplative. “There's actually someone else | wanted to discuss with you today.”

“What?” Hadley frowned slightly, puzzled.

Someone else?

Nyla exhaled, steadying herself.

For her grandson's sake, she would cast aside all pride.

“Aside from Denver, | have another candidate in mind. And truthfully, | believe he is the better choice. You and

he are far more suited for each other.”

Hadley felt a twinge of apprehension. Another matchmaking attempt?

But who could it be? Someone allegedly better than Denver?

If she was already an ill fit for Denver, then someone of an even higher standing was entirely out of the question.

“Nyla, | really-"

“Just hearout first.” Nyla patted Hadley’s hand, already bracing for the rejection that was sure to come.

ile, EE,”

Hadley stood frozen, her lips parted in stunned silence.

Of all the things she had braced herself for, Nyla speaking on Eric's behalf was nowhere on that list. “Alas...”

Nyla let out another weary sigh, the sound carrying the weight of unspoken years. “I know, Hadley. Bringing this

up now-it’s utterly shameless of me. Back then, he was the one who cast you aside. And now, he’s the one

reaching out, trying to reclaim what he once threw away.”

Lines of exasperation deepened on her face as she rubbed her temples.

That grandson of hers-always stirring up trouble, always making things difficult for her.

“But Hadley, he ctohimself. He said he wanted you back, that this time, he intended to do things right.

And tell me, as his grandmother, how could | turn him away?”

She watched Hadley’s expression with careful precision, measuring every flicker of emotion.

“I can tell he’s not playing games this time... And Hadley, let's not pretend-haven’t you carried a torch for him

longer than you care to admit? If you were to take him back, wouldn't that mean you finally grasped the very

thing you have been reaching for all this time?”

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