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

Chapter 958:

“No,” Hadley replied, taking a seat across from him. “You’re too early. Perfect timing though…” She met his gaze directly. “I need to talk to you about something.”

“What is it?” Eric asked, flashing an easy smile, oblivious to what was coming. “I’m listening.”

“Well…” Hadley pressed her lips together, her tone gentle but firm. “I was wondering if, when you’re up for it, you could visit the hospital? Not now, of course—once you’re stronger.”

Eric’s smile wavered. “Hospital? For what?”

Hadley looked down, drawing a slow breath. “For Joy,” she said simply.

“What?” Eric blinked, still lost. “Can you break that down?”

“Alright…” Once she began, there was no backing out. Though the words weighed heavy, she pushed forward for Joy’s sake. She took a deep breath and then said, “I can’t have kids right now. When I’m able, if there’s still no other option, I think… Joy needs a sibling.”

The pieces clicked for Eric. This was her point.

“You’re saying…” His face tightened, the grin vanishing. “You want to use artificial insemination?”

“Yes,” Hadley nodded, a weight lifting now that it was out.

A dull ache settled in Eric’s chest, unsure if it was disappointment… But after a moment’s thought, it made sense. Before, he was unaware of Hadley’s true emotions, yet she remained by his side for Joy’s well-being. At present, he already knew Hadley harbored no affection for him, so it stood to reason she’d have no desire for intimacy. Moreover, with advancements in science, conceiving a child didn’t demand physical intimacy anymore.

“Still…” Eric’s forehead creased, bewilderment etching deep lines. “Isn’t this all a bit too early?”

“Not at all,” Hadley replied, her gaze flickering briefly aside. “I’ve been weighing the perfect moment to raise this, and now feels fitting. Push it off any longer, and it might not be convenient for you.”

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“Not convenient for me?” Eric’s expression shadowed, a gnawing unease settling in despite his grasp slipping. “What are you talking about? Why won’t it be convenient?”

“Well…” Hadley hesitated, but then pivoted. “You’re aware your brother and Linda parted ways, aren’t you?”

“Yeah,” Eric said with a curt nod. “And? What’s the connection between these two things?”

Hadley eyed him closely, wondering if he was genuinely clueless.noveldrama

“Out with it,” Eric pressed, impatience sharpening his tone.

“Your opportunity has arrived,” Linda said, a subtle smile playing on her lips. “Linda was once your brother’s fiancée—off-limits, out of reach. But things have shifted. You could make a move now.”

Hearing what she said, Eric gaped, struck mute by the sheer absurdity of her words. What was running through her head?

Hadley leaned in, lifted the mug from the table, took a sip, and pressed on. “Ernest will understand, and your grandmother? She might resist at first, but she’ll come around eventually.”

The Flynn family’s clout could easily quash any public murmurs. Sure, tongues would wag, but the chatter would die down as fresher stories took over.

Eric let out a sharp, frigid laugh. His stare drilled into Hadley, his jaw locking tight. “That it? Anything more?”

“There is,” she said, setting the mug back down with a nod. “If you and Linda pair up, I think we should keep our distance. So, I’d like you to visit the hospital soon—get a cryopreservation done, freeze your sperm at ultra-low temps. That way, when I’m ready, I can handle it straight with the hospital, no need to trouble you. For Joy’s sake, I’m asking this of you. I hope you’ll say yes, for her… It’s a debt you owe her.”

Hadley’s lips pressed into a thin line. “Don’t worry—I’ll keep it under wraps, especially from Linda. It won’t touch whatever you build with her. Joy and her sibling will be mine entirely, no strings to you…”

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