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

Chapter 998:

He chuckled softly at her concern. “Alright, alright. I’ll be careful.”

Rolling his sleeve back down, he glanced at his watch. “I should head to the office.”

“Okay,” Hadley replied, guilt tugging at her again. “You should get back to work.”

She had already taken up too much of his time.noveldrama

“I’ll be going then,” he said gently, adding a few more reminders before turning to leave.

Outside the room, Eric stood stiffly, his posture tense, neither stepping forward nor backing away. As Denver emerged, Eric’s eyes narrowed slightly, something unreadable flickering across his face.

Denver gave him a brief, unreadable glance, and then walked away without a word.

Just then, a nurse carrying a treatment tray approached and paused beside Eric. “Why are you still standing here? She’s awake now. You can go in.”

“Alright,” Eric replied, his voice tight. His Adam’s apple bobbed as he swallowed. “Is she… feeling better?”

“She is,” the nurse confirmed with a small smile. “It was a serious condition, but she responded well to treatment.”

“Okay…” Eric shifted slightly, glancing toward the door. “Could you ask if she’s willing to see me?”

“Of course. Just wait here.”

“Thank you.”

With a nod, the nurse pushed open the door and stepped inside, smiling warmly at Hadley. “You’re looking much better,” the nurse said kindly as she began tending to Hadley’s treatment.

Then, with a tilt of her head toward the door, she added, “That gentleman from last night is still waiting out there. He’s asked to see you. Would you like to let him in?”

Hadley’s eyes flicked toward the door in surprise. Eric had waited all night?

Your story hub is gⱯlnσν𝓮ℓs․𝓬𝓸𝓂

A moment passed before she gave a quiet nod. “Okay.”

She couldn’t avoid this forever. If there was a time to face it—to face him—it was now.

“I’ll let him know,” the nurse said gently before stepping outside.

She found Eric still standing rigidly, like a soldier awaiting orders. “She’s ready. You can go in now.”

His heart kicked in his chest, a confused mix of anticipation and dread tightening in his throat. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.”

Eric took a breath and stepped through the door, unconsciously pressing his lips together. Each step toward the bed seemed to quicken his pulse. By the time he reached her side, his heart was pounding.

Hadley was half-reclined against the headboard, a nasal cannula still delivering oxygen, but her face looked far stronger—more alive—than it had the night before.

“Hey,” he said, his voice catching as he met her eyes. So many things he wanted to say, yet none of them found their way out.

“You’re here,” Hadley said softly, offering him a small, genuine smile. She gestured to the chair beside her bed. “Why don’t you sit down?”

“Okay,” he murmured, almost too quietly, and pulled the chair closer, easing into it with visible nerves.

“I’m sorry for the inconvenience,” Hadley said, her voice still hoarse—low and raspy. “My throat still hurts. I can barely talk. Please bear with me.”

Her politeness made Eric’s heart stutter. His mouth was dry, and sweat gathered in his palms.

“I’m listening. Take your time—no rush.”

.

.

.