Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You can’t afford me now

Chapter 891:

“What did you just say?” Eric’s reaction was one of surprise, his expression clouding with confusion. “Do you really believe my efforts and pursuits are solely for Joy’s sake?”noveldrama

“Indeed.” There was no hesitation in Hadley’s nod.

“Hadley…” He tried to say something.

She interjected swiftly, “But maybe that’s not entirely accurate.”

Facing him squarely, calmness etched across her features, Hadley said, “Perhaps there’s a part of you that feels something for me. I’ve changed a lot in the past four years. I’m not as bothersome to you as I once was. Since you can’t be with the one you truly love, maybe you’ve decided to settle with me, especially since we now have a daughter.”

“I’m not the person I was four years ago, but they say old patterns cling tight. Deep down, I probably haven’t changed much.”

Hadley eased into the seat, a subtle smile playing on her lips. “You couldn’t stand me then, and your opinion hasn’t warmed up since.” Their recent exchanges had laid that bare time and again.

He harbored some affection for her, sure, but it wasn’t enough to erase yesterday’s scars or pave a road ahead together.

Eric’s chest churned, a sardonic grin twisting his mouth. “You think you’ve got a clearer read on my feelings than I do?”

“Yep.” Hadley arched a brow. “Ever hear the one about the bystander seeing the chessboard best?”

She locked eyes with his striking features, her tone steady and grave. “I’m just your fallback plan. Four years ago, I was naive enough to embrace it without hesitation, but then I paid dearly for it. What makes you think I’d stumble into that trap again now? Just because you start to treat me a bit better now?”

Eric’s gaze darkened at her words, shadows pooling in his eyes.

Hadley drew a slow breath. “I’m grateful you’ve embraced Joy and stepped up for her. That’s something decent in you, at least. But we don’t need to twist ourselves into knots over her. We can each care for her without getting back together.”

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With that, she shut her eyes and sank back, signaling the end of the conversation.

“Hadley…”

Her wall of resolve left Eric faltering. He swallowed his next words, a wry smile tugging at his lips as he gripped the wheel and drove on.

The car rolled to a stop outside her apartment.

“Thanks.” Hadley reached for the handle, only to find it wouldn’t budge. “Eric, unlock it.”

Eric stayed put, fishing a stick of gum from the glove box and popping one in his mouth. He tilted the package toward her. “Want one?”

Hadley’s face scrunched in bewilderment. His nonchalance threw her, and she scowled. “I want to get out of this car!”

When he didn’t budge, she leaned across, fumbling for the lock herself. In a flash, Eric seized the moment, pulling her into his arms. Hadley’s head snapped up, startled.

“Hadley.” He breathed her name softly, his deep eyes burning with intensity. “We’ve shared so much time—don’t tell me you feel nothing for me. You used to care, a lot.”

Hadley’s brow creased as she squirmed, trying to break free. His grip looked light, but it held firm—she couldn’t slip free.

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