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

Chapter 197 She Sparked All This Trouble

Eric gestured discreetly to the store manager and the sales assistants, indicating they should give them some

space.

“Of course, Mr. Flynn,” replied the manager before he swiftly guided the staff away.

“Look here, Hadley.” Eric encouraged as he gently took her hand, guiding her to the gleaming display case.

“What catches your eye?”

“Oh?” Hadley quirked an eyebrow, her voice tinged with amusement. “Are you in the mood to shop for my

wardrobe?”

“Yes.” Eric confirmed with a nod. Wasn't that apparent?

“I'll pass,” Hadley responded with a playful smile, yet her words dripped with irony. “Really, I'm all set with my

current wardrobe.”

She began to withdraw her hand, seeking to escape his grasp.

“Wait, Hadley, Eric said, holding her gaze firmly. “Didn't you mention that nothing at Silver Villas appeals to you

anymore?”

Before she could respond, he earnestly continued, apologizing for earlier misunderstandings.

Eric acknowledged his oversight with a hint of regret. “I should have consulted you before making plans. Let's go

have a look now, shall we?”

He motioned towards the array of clothing behind the glass. “We have a few pieces here, but there's more to

see. What catches your eye? They can bring out additional selections if you'd like. Does that sound good?”

Hadley’s smile widened as she absorbed his words.

“Listen, Hadley,” Eric murmured as he drew nearer, his presence almost encircling her. His breath was a whisper

against her car, his tone verging on desperate. “I'll do whatever it takes to address your concerns. Please, let's

not end things, okay?”

Hadley tilted her head, pondering his plea.

What was she expected to say in return?

She found herself amused by Eric's apparent naivety.

“Eric.” Hadley finally spoke, her tone laced with incredulity. “Do you really believe snew clothes will mend

our issues?”

“And what more should | do?” Eric asked, his voice steady and sincere.

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He gave her space to speak, “Just tellwhat you need. I'm here to make it right. Please, just don’t leave me.”

Hadley felt uneasy with Eric so near. She touched his chest and gently pushed him back.

“Eric, it’s clear you know Linda’s preferences. You've tailored an entire wardrobe to her taste, yet you seem

clueless about what 1-your own girls-like. How can | possibly stay with you after realizing this?”

Eric was taken aback, his expression frozen as he struggled to find the right words.

After a weighty silence, he said, “I... I've just been around her longer...”

“Sure.”

“Just givea chance,” Eric pleaded, holding her hand earnestly. “I'll get to know your preferences too, given

stime...”

Hadley, however, was not swayed by his appeal. She smiled slyly, cutting through his protestations. “There’s one

way to put all this breakup talk to rest.”

“What would that be?” Eric’s face brightened, hope flickering in his eyes. “Anything you say!”

With a mischievous tilt of her lips, Hadley laid out her terms. “Have Linda cover and personally apologize

to me.”

What?

Eric's expression hardened, a frown forming on his face.

“Why should she apologize?”

“Isn't it obvious?” Hadley flipped her hair back, a look of triumph in her eyes.

“First off, her staying at my boyfriend’s place was way out of line. Then there’s the matter of her being in the

kitchen, cooking for you. If it wasn’t for her breakfast, we wouldn’t be having issues right now! She sparked all

this trouble.”

“Hadley...

“Here's the deal.” Hadley held her head high, confidence radiating from her. “She apologizes, and we're good.”

Eric looked at her, feeling utterly defeated.

It was impossible. Asking Linda to apologize to Hadley? Given her temperament, it was a far stretch.

“So, you can’t make it happen?” Hadley grinned, doubting he would comply. “There's another option, though.”

“What?” A spark of hope flickered in Eric's eyes.

With a sharp exhale, Hadley’s smirk widened. “It’s actually simpler.”

She playfully tugged on his tie, looping it around her finger

“Just promise you'll never see her alone again. Stay out of her affairs. Is that within your power?

A heavy feeling settled in Eric’s stomach. This request seemed just as unattainable as the apology from Linda.

“Hadley.” He began to make his case. “Linda has been a part of my life since childhood. She's important to me...

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Chapter 197 She Sparked All This Trouble

“You can’t do it, can you?” Hadley dismissed his attempts with a wave of her hand, her interest waning “Why

continue discussing this then?”

She knew he wouldn't agree.

That was precisely her point-to ask for something he couldn’t provide.

“So.” Hadley gave a resigned shrug. “It’s not that I'm not offering you a chance; it’s that you're not showing any

real commitment. It seems we can’t move forward together.”

Hadley released his tie and threw up her hands.

“You actually don’t need me, Eric. Any woman could serve as a tempt for you. Given your position, there's no

shortage of candidates.” She offered a dry smile. “I sincerely hope you find someone suitable quickly. Farewell.”

With those final words, her smile waned, and she turned away, her face devoid of emotion.

Eric’s gaze lingered on her retreating figure, his expression growing darker by the second.

The foll

The following day was different for Hadley.

Instead of her usual dance rehearsals, she was due at a photo shoot for promotional material, involving an

external crew.

Upon arriving, she noticed Elissa and the makeup artist were already present.

“Am 1 late, Elissa?

“Not at all.” Elissa gestured dismissively toward the venue. “Might not even matter today. We might be delayed.”

“What's happening?”

“Take a look.” Elissa lowered her voice.

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There was an issue with the venue-the previous team who booked it was still occupying it.

With only ten minutes left, they showed no intention of wrapping up.

The dance troupe wouldn't be able to start on time.

“It’s a big star,” Elissa whispered, her tone dropping even further into gossip mode.

“Who is it?” Hadley engaged with a light chuckle, ready to dive into the rumors..

Elissa whispered, revealing the ndiscreetly-“Linda Harris.”

Hadley hesitated for a moment, a flicker of recognition in her eyes. A big star indeed.

“They're filming a commercial. There's a standoff between Linda and the director, Elissa said, her lips forming a

tight line “Typical big star behavior, even arguing with directors.”

With the space still occupied, their plans were stalled. Hadley commented with a grin, “I need to use the

restroom, I'll be right back”

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Chapter 197 She Sparked All This Trouble

“Sure,” Elissa responded casually.

As Hadley walked away, her lack of familiarity with the venue led her astray, mistakenly wandering into the

filming area.

“Sorry to interrupt,” Hadley said, glancing around uncertainly.

She was just about to request directions, asking, “Could you showthe way to-

However, she was cut off mid-sentence as the person she approached spun around to face her.

“Linda.” She recognized her instantly, as Linda stood with her arms crossed and a smirk. “Over there is your way

out.” Linda pointed dismissively.

Surprised by the encounter, Hadley managed a stiff nod. “Thank you.”

“Be careful,” Linda said, her tone dripping with feigned concern.

As Hadley moved to continue, Linda subtly shifted, extending her leg into Hadley’s path...

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