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

Chapter 217 Do You Know

Him

For Ernest, this was nothing short of extraordinary news!

After a brief discussion with Quentin, he gave his instructions without hesitation. “Make arrangements for a

house at Lion Bay.”

“Understood, Mr. Flynn.” Quentin responded promptly, already setting the plan in motion.

Back at Silver Villas, Eric carefully laid Hadley down on the bed, making sure she was comfortable.

“Rest for a bit,” he murmured. “I've already contacted the housekeeper and a nurse-they’ll be here soon.”

Hadley nodded lightly. “Okay.”

She knew he had already sacrificed half his day for her, and his work was waiting.

“You should go,” she said, not meeting his eyes.

She still wasn’t sure how to face him.

Eric didn’t argue. “I'll leave once they arrive,” he simply said.

“Your forehead...” Hadley frowned, gesturing toward his head. “Why haven't you taken care of that?”

“Huh? Oh, that!”

Only then did Eric remember the minor injury, brushing it off with an easy shrug. “It’s just a scratch. Nothing to

worry about.”

He grabbed a tissue, dabbing at the blood as if that was enough.

Hadley’s frown deepened. “At least disinfect it and put on a Band-Aid.”

Eric sighed tically, “But | can’t see it.” Then, with a small smirk, he leaned slightly toward her. “How about

you helpout?”

Hadley hesitated for a moment before exhaling.

With a small nod, she agreed.

Eric had saved her again today. If not for his relentless pursuit, she might have fallen victim to Astrid’s

schemes.

With her approval, he eagerly retrieved the first aid kit, as if tending to his wound was suddenly the most

important thing in the world.

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Chapter 217 Do You Know Him

The cut on his forehead wasn’t deep-just a quick swab of iodine and a bandage, and it was done.

“All set.”

It barely took a minute.

Eric reached up, pressing his fingers lightly against the bandage before flashing her an amused grin. “Not bad.

You're pretty good at this.”

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Hadley blinked.

Seriously?

Sometimes, he was the coldest, most ruthless man she had ever known. Other times, he had the innocence of a

child.

Who was the real Eric Flynn?

Before long, the nurse and housekeeper arrived.

Eric reluctantly let go of her, his fingers lingering for a second longer than necessary. “I'm heading out. Get some

rest, and if you need anything, just tell them. Don’t push yourself.” He hesitated before adding, “I'll probably be

late tonight-don’t wait up for me.”

“Okay, | got it.”

Hadley nodded, watching as he finally turned to leave.

Because of her shoulder injury, Eric didn’t want Hadley returning to work anytsoon.

Hadley, however, quickly reassured him. “The troupe isn’t performing right now. I'm just supervising the

trainees’ practice sessions-it really isn’t stressing.”

Eric remained unconvinced. “Can you promiseyou won't dance until your shoulder gets better?”

“| promise.”

Only then did Eric finally sigh in defeat. “Fine.”

Personally driving her to the dance studio, he pulled up to a stop, but before she could step out, he reminded her

one last time. “Remember what you said-no dancing. I'll pick you up tonight. If anything happens, you're staying

htomorrow.”

Hadley exhaled sharply, feeling smothered.

“Can you stop nagging?” she huffed, rubbing her temple. “You're talking my ear off!”

“Alright, alright. No more nagging.”

Seeing her frustration, Eric immediately backed down, his lips curving into a helpless smile. Reaching out, he

gently caressed her cheek. “I just worry about you, that’s all. No need to get mad at me...”

Hadley shot him a sharp look. “Eric! Enough already!” She raised a fist in mock warning.

“Okay, okay!” Eric lifted his hands in surrender, and then, with a teasing grin, mimed zipping his lips shut.

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< Chapter 217 Do You Know Him

Hadley turned on her heel and jogged toward the building.

“Slow down!” Eric's voice followed her, laced with concern. “Doesn’t your stomach still hurt? It’s only the second

day! I'll pick you up tonight-don’t even think about leaving on your own!”

The more he talked, the more irritated she became. Since when was he this chatty? Annoyed, she quickened her

pace, pretending not to hear him.

The dance troupe was bustling with activity today.

Since there weren't any session scheduled that morning, Hadley took the opportunity to stretch in the practice

room, enjoying a rare moment of quiet-until a familiar voice called out.

“Hadley!”

She turned to see Elissa beaming at her from the doorway. But she wasn’t alone. Beside her stood a woman with

striking features, someone Hadley hadn’t seen in a long time.

“Look who's here!” Elissa announced.

Hadley’s breath hitched for a second before recognition clicked. “Alice?”

“Hadley!”

The woman-Alice Carrillo-grinned as she hurried forward, pulling Hadley into a warm embrace, exchanging

cheek kisses in greeting.

To an outsider, they might have seemed like old friends catching up. But the truth was far deeper than that.

Hadley and Alice weren't just friends. They were both survivors.

She was the dancer from Blathe’s Red Choreography-the girl who had been strapped to a bomb alongside

Hadley, the one who had carried Hadley’s unconscious body to safety despite the chaos.

“It’s so good to see you!” Alice said, pulling back slightly, her eyes warm with relief.

“Shere!”

Hadley studied her, curiosity flickering in her gaze. “What brings you to Srixby? Are you here with the troupe?”

“Yeah!” Alice nodded. “After everything that happened, we couldn't perform locally anymore.”

The Red Choreography’s central hall had been bombed-rebuilding it would take time, a lot of time. Resuming

performances in Blathe simply wasn’t an option for now.

Alice continued, “The boss arranged a tour, so we've been hopping from venue to venue, wherever we can find

space.” She flashed a playful smile, pointing between herself and Hadley. “And since we had a layover in Srixby, |

figured | had to csee you.”

Then, with a teasing glint in her eyes, Alice gestured between them tically. “So... does this mean we're

officially-"

“Friends bonded by life and death!” Hadley finished with a grin.

Alice laughed, delighted. “Yes! Friends bonded by life and death!”

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Chapter 217 Do You Know Ham

Hadley made sure to give Alice a warm and genuine welcome-after everything they had been through together,

it was the least she could do.

Since Alice had a flight to catch in the evening, their ttogether was limited, so they settled on lunch, with

Elissa joining them.

With Hadley’s arm still in a sling, they didn’t venture far. Instead, they chose a nearby restaurant, one that

served authentic Srixby cuisine, eager to introduce Alice to the local flavors.

By noon, the restaurant was buzzing with life.

Elissa, being the quickest on her feet, spotted an open window seat and waved them over. “Hadley! Alice! Over

here!”

“Coming!”

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Settling in, the three of them browsed the menu, debating what to order.

Hadley glanced at Alice, a small furrow of concern on her brow. “Alice, I'm not sure if you'll like the food here.

We'll order some, and if it’s not to your taste, we can always grab a burger later.”

Alice waved off the concern with a grin. And when the food finally arrived, she proved it.

“Mmm! Delicious, delicious!”

Hadley and Elissa exchanged amused looks before encouraging her. “Then have smore!”

“Don’t mind if | do!”

Alice, never one to hold back, happily piled more food onto her plate as the three of them laughed and chatted.

But then-"Huh?”

Alice suddenly paused, her gaze snapping toward the TV screen mounted in the corner of the restaurant. She

pointed. “Isn’t that him?”

“Who?” Hadley followed her gaze.

On the screen, a financial news segment was playing. And the man currently being featured was... Eric.

“Oh!” Alice clapped her hands, eyes lighting up. “Is this guy famous in Srixby?”

“Sort of.” Hadley nodded, still puzzled. “Wait-Alice, do you know him?”

Elissa leaned in, equally curious. “Yeah, Alice, you seem like you know him well.”

Alice waved a hand dismissively, grinning. “Not really.”

Then, as if suddenly remembering something, her expression shifted. She turned to Hadley, her tone teasing yet

oddly serious. “By the way, didn’t you askbefore about the person who saved you?”

Hadley stiffened slightly.

She had asked. After her rescue, she had pressed Alice for details, desperate to know who had pulled her out of

that nightmare. But at the time, Alice was also shaken and had struggled to describe him. She could picture that

face in her mind, yet simply didn’t know how to put it into words. In the end, all she could tell Hadley was

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that it was a young man, incredibly handsome.

“Look!”

Alice's lips curled into a knowing smile as she lifted a finger, pointing at the TV screen. “Isn't it him?” Alice

asked, her voice filled with certainty. “Hadley, what's his nagain...? Yes! Eric, right? Well, there you have it -

he’s your savior!”

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