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

Chapter 211 Do You Grow Genuine Feelings For...

Suddenly, a flood of emotions washed over Eric, leaving him frozen in place.

Although he often appeared to lead in his relationship with Hadley, in truth, she held the reins.

He wanted no one else but her.

Still, she remained distant, as if she could walk away at any moment.

Yet now, she sought comfort in his embrace like he was her anchor.

Compelled by his feelings, Eric leaned in to hold her close, her fragrance enveloping him, utterly captivating.

Her scent was mesmerizing, completely intoxicating.

“Eric,” she whispered faintly.

“Yes?”

“I'm not feeling well. Would you mind helpingdown the hill?”

“Of course.”

Casting a worried glance at her, Eric caressed her cold cheek, noting the chill of her hands as well.

With no tto hesitate, he lifted her in his arms and hastened down the hill.

Upon reaching the car, he gently set her inside, handed her a water bottle, and helped her drink. “Have some

water.”

“Okay.” Hadley sipped a little, and then gestured no more..

Eric wanted to ask about what had happened on the hill, but her pale face held him back. He gently stroked her

hair. “Just relax and get srest.”

“Alright.” With a weak nod, Hadley closed her eyes and reclined, letting exhaustion take over.

As they drove off, Eric, concerned for her comfort, adjusted the heater higher. He navigated the car gently, wary

of causing her any additional unease.

Hadley’s head was slightly tilted, her eyes shut.

It seemed like she had drifted into a dream.

“Mmm... mmm...”

From his position, Eric could only catch her faint sobs, his worry deepening. He decided to null

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Chapter 211 Do You Grow Genuine Feelings For Hadley

Taking her hand in his, he softly inquired, “Hadley? Are you awake?”

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“Mmm...” She did not open her eyes, continuing to murmur, “Mom...”

Leaning in, Eric listened intently. It was clear Hadley longed for her mother.

“Mom, I'm sorry. | made a mistake, I'm so sorry...” she murmured as she was obviously trapped in her dream.

Eric was confused. Why would a daughter feel compelled to apologize to her mother, even while dreaming?

“Mmm, | was wrong... wrong...”

Seeing Hadley in such a vulnerable state deeply moved him.

Silently, Eric held her, his whisper soft in her ear. “Don’t cry. Your mom wouldn't blyou.”

He might not have grasped the full situation, but what kind of mother would blher own child?

As the quiet settled around them, Hadley’s eyes fluttered open, her gaze filled with bewilderment as she looked

at him.

“Are you fully awake now?”

Touching her face, Eric felt its increased warmth.

With a sense of relief, he brushed away her tears. “It was just a bad dream. | had to intervene. | held you,

comforted you. Do you feel any better?”

In fact, Hadley hadn't fully fallen asleep-her mind was in a daze. she faintly recognized Eric's efforts and knew

he spoke the truth. She nodded in agreement.

“I'm doing much better. Let's drive.”

As the sky grew darker, there was a looming threat of treacherous roads from rain or snow.

“Alright.”

They resumed their drive into the city.

Eric, casting a concerned glance towards Hadley, suggested, “Maybe we should stay at my place tonight?”

He was genuinely worried about her condition.

“No,” Hadley responded firmly, shaking her head. “I need to get back to mine.”

She desperately wanted to hold her daughter.

“Hadley...”

“Do you plan to drive me, or should | get out here?” Hadley, brimming with frustration, abruptly sat up and fixed

her gaze on Eric. “Just letout if you're not serious about this.”

Her fingers were already curling around the door handle.

“I will drive you.”

Eric, seeing her resolve, felt he had no choice.

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Chapter 211 Do You Grow Genuine Feelings For Hadley

He steered the vehicle toward her apartment.

Silence enveloped the car as Eric glanced at Hadley from tto time, reminding himself to show compassion.

Today was one of those days Hadley missed her mother terribly, her emotions were raw and understandable.

His concern for her grew, yet he knew patience was essential.

Why rush things? They had only reconciled for a few days.

Building relationships took time.

As was his custom, Eric stopped at the apartment complex’s gate, eager to walk her in. “Hadley, I'll just tell the

guards to let us in.”

“You don’t need to.” Hadley dismissed the idea with a wave. “Thanks for everything today. I'm worn out and

need salone time. I'll call you tomorrow.”

Then, quite unexpectedly, she leaned in and kissed Eric.

“Goodnight.”

The kiss sent a surge of emotions through Eric, leaving him tingling from head to toe.

As he watched Hadley walk away, he whispered, “Goodnight, Hadley.”

She always knew just how to get to him!

Eric had originally intended to head back to Silver Villas.

However, the thought of the empty house without Hadley made him change his mind; he drove towards Flynn

Mansion instead.

Upon arrival, after a quick word with their housekeeper, Eric made his way to the backyard where he spotted

Ernest settling down after his therapy session.

“Ernest,” Eric called out, pulling up a chair to sit beside him.

Ernest looked up, puzzled. “What brings you here today?”

“I cto check on you and Grandma,” Eric said with a mischievous grin, yet his tone shifted as he leaned in.

“Ernest, there's something | need to know. Are you aware of how Hadley’s mother died?”

Having been closer to Hadley than his brother ever was while she was still with the Flynns, Ernest was more

familiar with her past.

“Her mother?”

Ernest's expression turned somber. “Grandma once mentioned it was a tragic accident. She disappeared for two

days and was eventually found at the bottom of a mountain cliff. It seems she fell.”

“I understand.”

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Eric nodded. He hesitated before asking, “How old was Hadley at that time?”

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“She was around six or seven, | believe.”

Ernest fixed a penetrating gaze on his brother. “You seem quite invested in Hadley’s past; does this mean you

finally care for her now?”

“Um, I..."

Caught off guard by Ernest's comment, Eric stammered, “Shouldn't | be more involved? | feel like it’s the least |

can do.”

“A little self-reflection, huh?”

With an unreadable look, Ernest asked pointedly, “Do you grow genuine feelings for Hadley?”

Eric paused, choosing his words carefully.

“Look, Ernest, this is all new to me. I'm not sure how deep my feelings go, but | do know that | want to be with

her.”

That declaration seemed to hold weight.

Ernest's emotions were mixed as he considered Eric's words.

He gave Eric a meaningful look and let out a resigned sigh. “You're really growing up.”

The desire to settle down with someone always signaled a new chapter of maturity.

Ernest's thoughts drifted to Linda, and he sighed gently. “Just make sure you treat Hadley right. I'm already

looking forward to celebrating your marriage.”

“Hehe.”

Flushing with awkwardness, Eric teased, “Hold on, you're the older one. Shouldn't we be celebrating your

wedding with Linda first?”

Him and Linda?

With a slight smile, Ernest tapped his leg. “Just you wait.”

He got up, relying on his cane. Eric moved to assist him, but Ernest dismissed the help with a gesture. “No need.

I've got this.”

Quentin was already nearby, prepared.

Driven by curiosity, Eric inquired, “Where are you headed, Ernest?”

Ernest let out a light sigh, his frown deepening as he looked back at Eric. “Oh, Eric...”

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