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

Chapter 222 Kiss Me, Now

What could this possibly imply?

Hadley’s gaze lingered on Eric, trying to decipher if he was suggesting they break up.

A wave of panic washed over her. She said cautiously, “Eric...”

“Leave!”

There was a touch of sorrow in Eric’s eyes as he dismissed her with a tired gesture. “Go, quickly! Leave before |

reconsider. Just go!”

Stunned, Hadley froze.

“Go!” Eric's voice rose sharply, jolting Hadley. Her shoulders shook as she frowned, hesitated briefly, and then

turned to leave.

Her footsteps echoed away, and the study door clicked shut behind her. Eric's expression sharpened as he rose

and made his way to the liquor cabinet.

The burn of the strong alcohol felt stark as he swallowed, pondering if anyone remembered what day it was.

It was his birthday-not the public figure Eric Flynn's, but his, alone.

It seemed no one remembered anymore.

In earlier times, Linda would have stealthily presented him gifts and celebrated with him.

Those days had faded into silence...

Tonight, all he desired was to celebrate his birthday with someone special, but even that modest hope seemed

out of reach.

And the very person he cared for, he had sent away.

Hadley was gone, wasn’t she?

It was bound to happen. After all, her staying had always felt forced.

The night was deep and dark outside. Could she possibly be safe?

Eric was filled with regret. Sending her away at such an hour was a mistake; he should have at least waited until

morning.

He reached for his phone, intent on calling her.

Unlocking the screen, he hesitated and then shut it off.

Fear crept into his heart...

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Knock, knock.

Someone was at the study door again.

Eric's head snapped up as the door swung open-it was Hadley! She hadn't left?

His expression unreadable, he watched her approach. He bit down on his tongue. Pain shot through him.

This was indeed reality.

“Hey,” she murmured as she drew nearer, her sigh soft in the quiet room.

Hadley reached for his hand, her eyelashes casting delicate shadows as she said gently, “You shouldn’t drink on

an empty stomach. It’s late, have you eaten? I've made spasta. Would you like to join me?”

Eric's eyes darted to their entwined arms, and he swallowed the lump forming in his throat.

She hadn't left. Instead, she had prepared a meal for him?

However, her next words were resolute. “I actually don’t like pasta.”

For a moment, Hadley was left speechless, her frustration evident. Pleasing him seemed an impossible task.

Nonetheless, she persisted, saying, “I prepared everything myself-it’s not like the ones at restaurants. Why not

try it?”

Eric merely raised an eyebrow, noncommittal.

“Con,” she said, linking her arm with his and pulling him toward the door. “I bet you'll find the pasta | made

exceptionally tasty. There's also ssoup.”

Eric remained silent as Hadley guided him to the staircase.

Arriving at the dining table, two plates of pasta were neatly arranged-one noticeably larger than the other.

The larger plate was set before him, while the smaller portion awaited her. She was cautious about her diet,

particularly avoiding late meals.

Eric’s brow furrowed. “You haven't had dinner yet?”

“No.” Hadley confirmed with a slight shook of her head.

“Tsk.”

With a click of his tongue, Eric couldn’

meal?”

resist a sarcastic joke, “Was your housemate too stingy to offer you a

“I didn’t go there to eat,” she replied calmly.

Handing him a fork and spoon, Hadley then scooped up sbroth and brought it towards his lips, coaxing, “Try

the soup first. Ah...”

Eric eyed the spoon at his lips warily, pausing momentarily before relenting and opening his mouth.

Hadley’s face lit up with a gentle smile, her eyes sparkling as she asked, “Do you like it?”

Eric felt a tickle in his throat and gave a slight nod. “Mm.”

Chapter 222 Kiss Me, Now

Try sof the pasta too.”

With a deft motion, she twirled a forkful of pasta. “I've really outdone myself with this pasta.”

Without hesitation, Eric opened his mouth to accept the forkful.

Hebe Hadley’s grin widened, her eyes twinkling with delight. “Good, isn't it?”

“Mm.” Eric nodded, impressed by the pasta’s perfect texture.

His curiosity piqued, he asked, “Where did you pick up such cooking skills?”

Originally from the privileged circles of the Flynn family, Hadley had never needed to handle kitchen duties.

Reflecting on her past, Hadley recalled the challenging times in Blathe that had honed her culinary skills. Yet, she

replied cheerily, “Oh, my grandmother taughtwhen | was very young.”

Your grandmother did well, Eric said. “She taught you valuable life skills.”

He took the fork from her hand, gesturing towards her plate. “Lethandle this. You eat too. It's not as good

when it gets cold.”

“Alright.”

There was a quiet spell as they both focused on their meals.

Eric managed to polish off his serving quickly, though he maintained his usual elegant demeanor throughout.

“Done eating?” Hadley glanced at him.

“Yes.” Eric confirmed, using a napkin to wipe his mouth before reclining slightly in his chair.

Hadley’s brow furrowed in concern. “Was that enough for you?”

Unfortunately, that was all she had prepared; there wasn’t any more food.

*Should | make something else for you?”

She paused, fork in hand, prepared to rise from her seat.

“No need for that.” Eric stopped her, grasping her wrist gently. “Finish your meal. I'm pretty much full.”

“Okay...”

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Resuming her seat, Hadley continued with her meal, but she could feel Eric's eyes on her, which cast a slightly

uncomfortable shadow over their dinner.

She had decided to stay despite his earlier request for her to leave, going so far as to make pasta in an attempt

to appease him.

Now, with the meal over, they were back where they started...

Would he send her away again? How would she handle it if he did?

“Hadley.”

“Ah?*

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Chapter 222 Kiss Me, Now

Startled by her name, Hadley jerked her head up, nervously biting her lip. “I... | haven't finished eating yet.”

Really?

Eric peered at her nearly empty plate.

It was an obvious fabrication. What was her angle?

Staring out the window, he drummed his fingers on the table, muttering thoughtfully. “It’s getting quite late....*

The unfinished sentiment made Hadley’s pulse quicken. Was this the moment he would tell her to leave?

She abruptly rose, beginning to clear the table, feigning ignorance of his implication. “Indeed, it is late. You

should think about heading to bed.”

Eric watched silently from his chair as she bustled about, taking the dishes to the kitchen.

He got up and followed her.

Inside the kitchen, Hadley loaded the dishwasher and reached for the detergent.

“Stop.” Eric’s voice was a soft exhale as he grasped her wrist, his expression troubled. “Do you realize what

you're doing?”

“Hmm?” Caught off guard, Hadley responded, “Just washing up.”

“Hadley...” His eyes locked on hers intensely. “You know what I'm really asking.”

He inhaled sharply before questioning once more, “Do you truly understand your actions? Hmm?”

Lightly nibbling on her lip, Hadley gave a slight nod.

Narrowing his gaze, Eric drew her close into his arms, his other hand gently lifting her chin.

“Kiss me. If you truly understand, do it now!”

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