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

Chapter 225 Follow That

Car

Ernest walked into the room with graceful ease, Linda's hand resting lightly in his arm. But the moment his eyes

lifted toward the person waiting inside, his steps slowed.

His brows knitted together, his gaze narrowing slightly.

Her?

Linda’s reaction was far less composed. “You?”

Elissa straightened instinctively, hands clasped neatly in front of her, though there was a trace of nervousness in

her posture. “Hello, Mr. Flynn. Hello, Miss Harris.”

To be honest, when she first submitted her design, it had been more of a hopeful gesture than a serious

expectation.

She hadn't actually thought she would be chosen. Yet, here she was. Standing before the couple right now.

Elissa’s lips pressed together, the weight of past conflict settling over her. She had once offended Linda. And now

she was here, presenting herself as the designer for her wedding dress.

Linda’s gaze lingered on Elissa, a flicker of unease in her expression. Why did it have to be her?

“What's the matter?” Ernest's voice broke through the tension, his sharp eyes flicking to Linda.

Ernest was fully aware of the history between the two women.

And truth be told, he didn’t particularly want to deal with Elissa either.

Without hesitation, he tightened his hold on Linda’s hand and spoke with quiet finality. “If you're uncomfortable,

we can always choose another designer.”

With those words, he shut Elissa out completely-before the conversation had even begun. The dismissal was

blunt. Absolute.

Elissa’s smile faltered, the warmth in her expression cooling. She had expected this. It seemed her efforts had

been for nothing after all.

She forced a small, humorless chuckle. “If Mr. Flynn insists, then | won't overstay my welcome.”

With a quiet nod, she reached for her bag, ready to leave.

“Wait!” Linda hesitated for a beat, and then exhaled. “We've had our differences, but | don’t mix business with

personal matters. | chose your design because | liked it, so let's move forward professionally. Consider this a

collaboration-let’s leave the past where it belongs. Is that alright?”

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< Chapter 225 Follow That Car

“Of course-" A flicker of relief crossed Elissa’s face, her eyes brightening as she prepared to answer.

“Linda, please.”

Ernest's voice cut in, cool and measured. “A wedding dress is an important thing. It’s not just about the design. -

it requires countless discussions for details and fittings in the days that follow. You don’t have to work with.

someone you're not comfortable with. Don’t force yourself-there are plenty of talented designers out there.”

Elissa’s breath hitched.

The unspoken words hung between them.

Why was Ernest being so particular? Linda herself didn’t mind, yet he was the one making a big deal out of it.

Humph! What a “gentleman” indeed!

Still, Linda was secretly pleased with his overprotectiveness.

Leaning into his embrace, she smiled up at him. “I know you’re just looking out for me, but | really like her

design. It’s fine... I'm not the petty type. Let's give her a chance.”

“Fine.” Ernest's voice held a note of hesitation. “I just don’t want anything ruining your mood. A wedding should

be a happy occasion.”

“With a husband who spoilsthis much, how could | possibly be in a bad mood?”

Linda’s eyes curved with warmth, her smile soft. “As long as you love me, | don’t care about anyone else.”

Faced with her unwavering affection, Ernest could only sigh in defeat, “You really like her design that much?”

Linda nodded firmly, pouting slightly. “Yes, | do.”

“Alright, if you say so.” Ernest had no choice but to relent. “We'll do as you wish and give her a shot.”

“Ernest, you're the best!”

Rising on her tiptoes, Linda placed a quick kiss on his cheek, her joy unmistakable.

Elissa, meanwhile, quickly lowered her gaze, feeling more than a little awkward.

But if nothing else, it confirmed one thing-Ernest absolutely doted on Linda. All she had to do was bat her lashes,

pout a little, and he would bend to her will.

No matter what Linda wanted, he’d make sure she got it.

“Elissa!”

She snapped to attention at the sound of her name.

“Yes!” Forcing a bright smile, she met Linda’s gaze. “Miss Harris, if there's anything you need, just letknow.”

Linda chuckled, amused. “I didn’t realize you had such a sense of humor.” Then, with a graceful nod, she added,

“Let’s put the past behind us. I'll trust you with my wedding dress.”

“No problem!” Elissa’s smile stretched so wide, it nearly reached her ears. “Miss Harris, you're truly generous! I'll

do everything | can to make sure you're the most beautiful bride in the world!”

“I look forward to seeing what you make!”

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Chapter 225 Follow That Car

Linda’s playful response made Ernest frown slightly. Who would've thought Elissa had this side to her?

To put it nicely, she was adaptable.

To put it bluntly... she was a bit of a sycophant.

Then again, maybe that was exactly why she had managed to get by so far.

That night at Flynn Mansion...

Eric was still buried in work, so Hadley retired to her old bedroom alone. As she stepped inside, she noticed

something-Eric’s coat was still draped over her arm.

He had handed it to her earlier when he felt warm, absentmindedly passing it off without a thought.

Sighing, she rose from the bed, intending to return it to his room.

But as she moved, something small pressed against her palm.

Huh?

Her fingers instinctively reached into the inner pocket, and she pulled out a small jewelry box.

Sleek. Elegant. Expensive-looking.

Hadley’s brows lifted slightly. A necklace? A bracelet? Had Eric... secretly bought her something?

Was this skind of peace offering for dragging her along today?

Curiosity got the better of her.

She flipped open the lid-only to be met with... A pair of Minnie Mouse hair clips.

Hadley stared. Why would he get her hair clips?

Still, curiosity lingering, she lifted one and held it against her hair, studying her reflection in the mirror. “Does

this even suit me?”

Her features were bright and confident-not exactly the delicate, cutesy type. Hair clips like these? They didn’t

suit her at all.

Shaking her head, Hadley placed them back into the box, closed the lid, and slipped it into his pocket.

Eric had showered her with countless pieces of fine jewelry-most of which she had never even worn. So, this

hardly even mattered.

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Later, that night... Hadley had sunk into deep sleep when-A sudden weight pressed down on her. Warm breath

ghosted over her skin, and before she could react-A hand covered her mouth.

“Mm!”

On instinct, she lashed out, her knee jerking upward, ready to land a solid kick.

“Whoa!”

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A deep, amused chuckle vibrated against her ear. “You need to calm down with those kicks! Aren't you worried

of damaging my goods?”

“Eric!”

Hadley’s eyes snapped open. Irritation flared through her, wiping away the last traces of sleep. “It’s the middle

of the night! Can’t you just letsleep?

“I can’t sleep without any action... Please!”

Hadley let out a tired sigh, muttering in protest. “Can’t we take a break for just one day?”

Even back when she had been eager to conceive, she hadn’t been as relentless as he was.

“Sure!” Eric agreed easily, but his actions betrayed his words-his lips still traced slow, teasing kisses along her

skin. “Tomorrow, you'll get your rest...”

It wasn’t until morning the next day that Hadley finally understood what Eric was talking about.

As it turned out, he had to leave for Tidebourne for business in the afternoon.

Before his departure, he dropped Hadley off at her place, parking at the entrance as he always did.

Before stepping out of the car, Hadley’s gaze lingered on him suspiciously.

“What?” Eric raised a brow, touching his face. “Is there something on me?”

“No, it’s not that.” Hadley shook her head, but her eyes flickered briefly to his suit pocket.

The hair clips. They were still there. He hadn't given them to her.

He must have forgotten about them!

She smiled faintly. “I'm going.”

“Okay, I'll see you later!”

With that, Hadley stepped out of the car and took a few steps forward. But the moment Eric's car was out of

sight, Hadley reappeared-her expression determined.

She hurried to the street, flagging down a passing taxi. “Please! Follow that car!”

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