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

Chapter 100 Driving A Wedge

Eric raised his eyebrows, startled. “What's that coming from?”

Quickly concealing her annoyance with a grin, Linda responded, “Just a little humor. Why are you taking it so

seriously?”

She then explained her presence, “I stopped by for a meeting with East Entertainment.”

East Entertainment Media, a subsidiary of the Flynn Group, shared the building with Eric's office.

Linda had scheduled today to discuss with her agent to lighten her future workload, canceling or postponing

non-urgent appointments, though she still had scommitments to honor.

Getting to her feet, she said, “I've managed my schedule and just thought I'd check in with you before leaving.

I've got work later.”

a and

“Understood.” Eric nodded briefly. “I'll let you get on with your evening-"

“Anyway,” Linda interjected before he could finish. Her eyes landed on the two brown paper bags on the coffee

table. She gestured toward them. “Just curious-what are those?”

“Oh, those?” Eric glanced at the bags, recognition dawning. “Those are candied hawthorns.”

His answer cout plain and simple.

Linda, intrigued, raised an eyebrow. “When did you start liking this kind of snack?”

Eric hesitated, careful not to mention they were meant for Hadley. “It’s just something I felt like nibbling on.”

“Really? Are they good?” Linda inquired as she bent over, opened a bag, and tried a piece.

“Not too bad,” she commented after tasting it.

“See?” Eric replied, a subtle twitch in his brow. Swiftly, he handed her the opened bag. “Why don’t you take this

one with you?”

Linda chuckled and replied, “Really? Are you sure?”

“Yes, they're just streats,” Eric responded casually. “I've got more here.”

After all, the bag was already open-giving it to Hadley was no longer an option.

Linda laughed as she took the bag. “Thanks, then. I'm off.”

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But her smile faded the moment she turned around.

Eric buying candied hawthorns for himself? She wasn’t buying it—he never even liked hawthorns.

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Those had to be for Hadley.

Confirmation csooner than expected.

Reaching the lobby, Linda noticed Hadley being escorted by a receptionist toward the executive elevator.

A twinge of annoyance tightened her chest.

Such a courtesy from the receptionist surely con orders from higher up.

“Hadley!”

As she was about to step into the elevator, Hadley heard Linda calling her. Turning around, her expression

clouded with annoyance.

There she was.

Feeling her patience wane, Hadley spoke sharply. “Yes, Linda? What do you need?”

Linda greeted her with a smile. “Just wanna to say hi.”

Hadley was eager to leave. “Alright, I'm off then-"

“Hold on. How about ssnacks?” Linda interjected before Hadley could excuse herself.

She lift a bag toward Hadley. “Candied hawthorns, they're actually quite tasty. Care for one?”

Hadley regarded Linda with suspicion. It was unusual for Linda to offer her anything nice. Could there be

something wrong with it?

Regardless of the potential risks, Hadley decided against accepting anything. “No, thank you.”

With a sigh, Linda withdrew the bag. “Pity, they're really quite good.”

Hadley was puzzled by the gesture.

As she tried to make sense of Linda's actions, Linda suddenly seized her wrist, speaking in a hushed tone.

“Hadley, can we talk alone for a moment?” Linda's voice carried a hint of urgency.

Hadley was puzzled by her secretive demeanor. “Alright.”

With a subtle nod from Hadley, the receptionist moved away to afford them sprivacy.

“Go ahead. I'm listening.”

Linda maintained her composure, her smile polite yet insincere. “You're unaware, aren’t you?”

Hadley’s patience was wearing thin. “Unaware of what?” Linda’s vague hints were getting on her nerves. “Can

you just spit it out? Or do you have trouble speaking your mind?”

“You-!" Linda's facade cracked slightly, her tone sharpening. “You seem quite satisfied these days. Eric got you

that position at Blanche’s dance studio, right? You think he’s really changed his attitude towards you?”

Hadley remained silent for a moment, and then finally spoke. “What are you getting at?”

Linda’s expression twisted into a smirk. “Consider this-Eric couldn’t stand you before. Now, why would he be

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so kind all of a sudden?”

Stunned by the implication, Hadley didn’t utter another word

This question had been troubling her deeply

Could Linda possibly have the answer that she was desperately seeking?

“Yes, I'm aware,” Linda said, her voice dripping with conceit as she tilted her head slightly, catching Hadley off

guard. “Pay attention-this is happening because Ernest has regained consciousness.”

What?

Stunned, Hadley tensed up, grappling with the reality of Linda’s words. “Ernest is really awake”

“That's correct. Linda's voice shook a bit, her eyes glistening with tears. “He's awake”

That was incredible news!

Overwhelmed, Hadley balled her fists, emotions flooding through her. Tears welled up in her eyes, Ernest had

always looked out for her, much like a true elder brother would...

“Still haven't pieced it together?” Linda regained her composure, her eyes narrowing. “Consider this-Eric has

ignored you for so long. Why the sudden change? Why is he now so intent on securing your future? What do you

think his motives are?”

Yes... why?

The realization then hit Hadley like a tidal wave, stopping her breath.

Her eyes locked onto Linda's, the truth finally sinking in.

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Linda’s smirk widened, as if she'd read Hadley’s mind. “Consider the past-why did Nyla insist on that marriage?

And why did he comply? It’s happening again. He has his reasons for suddenly being so nice.”

The past provided the clues.

Hadley now saw the whole picture.

Nyla had orchestrated the marriage to prevent Eric from being a rival to Ernest for Linda’s affection. Eric had

eventually complied to cut ties with his own emotions and marry Hadley.

And now, with Ernest awake, was history repeating itself? Was he using her once more?

“Do you understand now?” Linda's eyes sparkled with a smug satisfaction. “I actually feel sorry for you... which

is why I'm telling you this.”

Did Linda really just say she felt sorry for Hadley?

Hadley’s response was a quiet chuckle, her voice laced with disbelief.

Did Linda really think Hadley couldn’t see through her little scheme? It was a clear attempt to stir trouble

between her and Eric.

Too bad for Linda-Hadley’d have to actually care about Eric for it to work.

“I may not care for you, but | appreciate the information,” Hadley said, gesturing towards the elevator.

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< Chapter 100 Driving A Wedge

“Are we done here? Can | leave now?”

Turning her back, she signaled the receptionist who had been waiting at a distance.

“Please, takeup now.”

“Right away!” the receptionist responded eagerly.

Linda was taken aback.

How could Hadley remain so composed? Wasn't she supposed to be upset?

She observed as Hadley and the receptionist entered the elevator. As the doors closed, Linda was left in

disbelief.

“No way...” She shook her head, muttering under her breath, “How is she not upset?”

There was no way-it had to be an act!