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

Chapter 213 Just Cooperate

With Us

Eric was visibly fatigued, yet luck was on his side as one of his subordinates arrived just in time.

The vehicle slowed to a crawl rather than a complete stop, the door flinging open. “Mr. Flynn! Jump in!”

With momentum still carrying him, Eric hurled himself into the car, clumsily hitting his limbs as he did so.

“Mr. Flynn, are you alright?”

“Just drive!” Eric retorted, dismissing his own discomfort.

He urgently gestured towards a van ahead, missing its license plate, as he fought to catch his breath. “Follow

that van!”

“Right away, Mr. Flynn!”

Having issued the command, Eric grasped his chest, wincing from the sharp stings of pain caused by his rushed

breathing.

Regaining scomposure, he retrieved his phone to contact Phillips.

“It's me...”

LE NE

Meanwhile, in the van they were chasing, the man began to show signs of distress. “He’s almost on us!”

“What's got you so flustered?” With a stern glare, the woman scolded him. “Show sbackbone! You're more

frightened than a woman!”

Though her words were sharp, her own nerves were fraying.

No tfor second thoughts now.

She pressed the gas pedal, pushing the van to its speed limit.

Hadley, caught off guard, was thrown forward, banging her forehead.

Something about the woman struck a chord of familiarity. But Hadley was sure they had never met; so why did

she feel like she knew her?

Who were these kidnappers, and what did they want with her? Ransom seemed unlikely-she wasn’t rich.

Had she unwittingly upset someone?

Being a minor player in Srixby, she couldn't think of anyone she might have offended that would warrant this.

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Confusion swirled through Hadley’s thoughts.

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The van’s speed intensified the ride’s roughness, causing Hadley’s stomach to churn, particularly because her

mouth was gagged with a towel.

As they ventured beyond the city limits, the surroundings grew increasingly desolate. Was their destination on

the outskirts?

This was uncharted territory for Hadley.

Where were they taking her?

She yearned to glance back, hoping to see if Eric was still in pursuit.

“Ugh!”

Her attempt to turn was thwarted as the man forcefully gripped her shoulder. “Stay still! What are you looking

at?”

Reluctantly, Hadley ceased moving.

The grip on her shoulder was excruciating, blurring her vision with pain and inducing a cold sweat.

“Mmm, mmm...”

Muffled by the gag, her cries were silent.

Darkness soon overtook her, and she lost consciousness.

As Hadley regained consciousness, a wave of pain washed over her.

Blinking open her sweat-drenched eyes, she felt the dampness of her clothing clinging to her skin.

Where had they taken her?

A musty smell of dust mingled with the tang of seawater filled the air.

Dim light seeped into the space, revealing what appeared to be a cargo hold-a setting she recognized from

countless films and television s.

“Finally awake now.”

Before her, a pair of women’s shoes cinto view.

The earlier woman-or more precisely, a girl barely in her twenties-crouched before her.

Curiously, the girl studied Hadley’s face, an unusual tactic for a kidnapper. Typically, wouldn't they conceal

their identities?

Yet, these two had been brazen, their faces exposed throughout, hardly the behavior of skilled criminals.

Perhaps concealing their identities wasn’t a concern for them?

“Who are you?” Hadley managed to utter, her gaze locked on the young girl.

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“Oh.”

Chapter 213 Just Cooperate With Us

The girl's response was a light chuckle, her smile carrying a trace of youthful mischief.

Hadley was then taken aback by her next words.

“Don’t you remember me, Hadley? It's been years, but | recognized you right away.”

Could it be someone she knew?

Hadley’s brow creased in thought; the familiarity she felt suddenly made sense.

“Are you...?"

Her eyes meticulously traced the girl's face, recognition dawning slowly.

A flash of memory hit her. “Is it really you...?”

The girl's smirk broadened as she propped her chin on her hands. “Finally figured it out? Hi, sis.”

It was Astrid Jenkins!

A deep frown marred Hadley’s features.

Why hadn’t she connected the dots earlier? Who else could it be but the Jenkins family, whom she had

unwittingly crossed in Srixby just yesterday?

Hadley had adamantly declined to donate part of her liver to save Brady.

Now, after Cade had tried bribing and Noreen had pleaded, Astrid, their daughter, had turned to abduction?

“Ha.” The irony made Hadley chuckle. “So, you've kidnappedfor your brother, right?”

“That's right.” Astrid smirked, cocking an eyebrow. “Clever, aren't 1?”

However, Hadley wasn’t impressed by Astrid’s tactics. Did she really think that kidnapping would make Hadley

consent to the liver donation?

“Astrid.” Hadley’s voice was strained, her shoulder pain flaring up as she spoke. “Letgo. You can’t coerce me

into surgery; the hospital won't operate without my consent!”

“Take it slow.”

Astrid’s smile didn’t waver; she seemed unfazed.

She produced a phone from her pocket. “Do you really think | haven't thought this through?”

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Tapping her temple, she added, “I’m not as naive as you assume.”

Astrid brandished her phone with a threatening grin. “I'm going to take sphotos of you-naked.”

What?

Hadley’s heart skipped a beat.

Was this young woman out of her mind to resort to such depraved tactics?

“Haha.”

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< Chapter 213 Just Cooperate With Us

Astrid’s laughter echoed as she stood, moving towards Hadley menacingly.

“Scared? Good. You'll look so pretty in those photos,” she taunted, reaching for Hadley’s shirt buttons.

“Astrid!” Hadley’s voice shook with fear and anger. “You're insane! This is illegal!”

“Illegal?” Undeterred, Astrid continued with her actions, her expression hardening. “My brother needs that

transplant to survive.. All | care about is that you're the key to saving him!”

What a maniac!

The whole Jenkins family must be insane!

Hadley’s body shook uncontrollably, her teeth clattering from fear.

“Why don’t you donate your, Astrid? You're his full sister. Aren’t you willing to give a part of your liver to save

your brother?”

Astrid shrugged with exaggerated innocence. “That sounds painful! And what if something goes wrong during

surgery?”

What?

Hadley was left dumbfounded. Was she seriously abducted because Astrid didn’t want to suffer? The audacity

was astounding, a true daughter of Cade and Noreen!

Chuckling, Astrid said, “I'm showing ssisterly love here. See, I'm taking your photos myself instead of letting

Soren do it. That's considerate, right?”

Soren Powell was the accomplice.

“Just cooperate with us.” Astrid’s laughter filled the room as she continued, “It’s just a few photos. Once you

agree to donate your liver and save my brother, I'll ensure these photos never see the light of day.”

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