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

Chapter 36 Linda Is So Lucky "Marshall," Eric interjected, his voice smooth and nonchalant, a mischievous glint in his eye. "She's expressing genuine gratitude. Why not just accept it gracefully?" Marshall paused, slightly bewildered by Eric's response.

What was his friend playing at? Could it be that Eric was trying to avoid any deeper involvement with Hadley? Maybe he feared she might cling to him again if the truth cout.

"Sure thing." Marshall eventually gave in, deciding to support Eric's strange charade.

"No big deal," Marshall said smoothly, picking up where Hadley left off. "I appreciate the gesture, Hadley." "Actually," Hadley added, suddenly recalling another detail.

She extended her hand, presenting a neatly folded tie. "I also wanted to return this to you." Marshall looked at the tie, his smile widening as he accepted it.

"I took care to wash it, used the hotel's hairdryer to dry it, and even ironed it out. It should be just like new," Hadley explained, ensuring everything was returned in perfect condition.

"Cool." Marshall acknowledged with a nod. "You always handle things well, Hadley." "It's no big deal," Hadley responded casually, adding a shrug. "Looks like you've got a lot on your plate. I won't keep you." Marshall glanced at Eric briefly before asking Hadley, "Do you needto arrange a ride for you?" Eric remained impassive.

"No need!" Hadley quickly dismissed the offer. "I'll catch the bus. Thanks anyway! See you around!" With a quick turn, she started walking away.

"Stay safe on your way!" Marshall called after her.

"Will do!" After she had left, Marshall faced Eric. "Why the insistence on keeping her at arm's length? Afraid she'll get too attached again?" Eric, caught off guard by the comment, blinked. He wasn't really worried about that; he was more annoyed that Hadley seemed to be feigning ignorance.

0.0% 19:20 Playing along with Marshall's assumption, Eric responded, "Exactly." Marshall chuckled, shaking his head. "Man, relax. She's not chasing you anymore. Did you notice how effortlessly cool she was just now? People move on. Her crush on you is old news. We haven't been a part of her life for years. Out of sight, out of mind, right? Even the deepest infatuation fades away eventually." He chuckled heartily.

"Who knows, she might have found someone new in Blathe, someone exotic!" "Sure," Eric responded, his expression unreadable, his voice devoid of enthusiasm. "That would be ideal." Yet, a sharp look flashed briefly in Eric's eyes, revealing a flicker of something deeper.

Snatching the tie from Marshall, Eric approached a nearby trash can and tossed it in without a second glance. "The day I get tangled with her again is the day I admit I'm a fool," Eric muttered darkly to himself. Later that evening, Hadley was at Galant.

The Dance-Off Championship was in full swing, attracting huge crowds, much to Lennon's delig After performance, Hadley relaxed in the dressing room until her phone rang. It was a call from someone she hadn't heard from in ages.

"Hello there, Mr. Webster." Elvin Webster, that was his full name, the assistant director who had exchanged Whatcontacts with Hadley during their last encounter.

Hadley had been eagerly anticipating Elvin's call for several days, and it had finally arrived.

"Hadley." Elvin greeted her warmly. “About that opportunity I mentioned last time? It's shaping up. We're preparing for a historical and need dance doubles. Are you interested?" The prospect excited Hadley immensely.

Yet, she hesitated, unsure. “I'm a bit worried about the timing.” "We have several part-tdance doubles shortlisted." Elvin tried to reassure her. "Once we finalize the schedule, we'll coordinate with everyone's availability." That flexibility was exactly what Hadley needed.

"However," Elvin continued, "I've recommended you specifically to the director. The dance sequences are crucial, and since you're new, he's keen to meet you in person." "That sounds reasonable." "When might you be free to meet?" Elvin paused to check the schedule and then inquired, "Is four p.m. tomorrow okay for you?" "No problem," Hadley responded promptly, confirming her availability since it didn't conflict with her shifts at Galant. "Where will we meet?" 21.5% 19:20 "Meetat Central Cinema, located in Metropolitan Plaza. And remember, punctuality is key" "Understood, Mr. Webster. Thank you." Hadley expressed her gratitude, ending the call with a burst of excitement.

This job wasn't just another gig, it was part of a major production, possibly even a movie. She speculated about the potential earnings, recalling the four hundred dollars she made in just a few minutes at her last job.

The following day, Eric arrived at Metropolitan Plaza a little after two in the afternoon.

With Phillips by his side, he exited the parking garage and took the elevator to the Central Cinema, where Linda's movie premiere was scheduled.

Linda, a leading actress with East Entertainment Media-a company initiated by Ernest-was starring in tonight's feature.

Now that Eric managed East Entertainment Media, he made it a point to support the company's top actress. He chose to arrive early for the three o'clock premiere to ensure he was fully present for Linda Eric's attendance at the premiere sent a powerful message throughout the film industry-the Flynn far supported Linda, solidifying her prestigious standing.

7 Industry insiders clustered around Eric, each eager to get his attention and possibly secure a partnership with his influential family.

"Mr. Flynn, take a look at this script, would you? It might be something Miss Harris would be interested in," one hopeful producer suggested.

Eric averted smoothly. "I suggest you discuss it directly with Linda. Script selection isn't my forte." In a nearby conversation, industry veterans commented quietly among themselves.

"Even with Ernest out of the picture, Linda still seems to have everything under control, especially with Eric by her side. That's ssolid support," one said.

"Keep it down! Eric is just over there. He might hear us," another cautioned in a hushed tone.

"Why hold back? Everyone knows Eric's her main supporter. It's no secret. Makes you wonder if he'll ever really win her over." Amid the murmurs, Linda approached, beaming, with director Adonis Faulkner at her side.

"Eric, I'm so glad you're here," she said warmly.

"Welcome, Mr. Flynn."

Eric responded to Adonis' greeting with a nod, his face lighting up with pride. "Good news-premiere tickets are selling fast. We've already crossed a hundred million in pre-sales." Eric had been closely monitoring the financials as an investor, receiving the profit updates directly.

"Really?" Adonis couldn't hide his excitement.

Even as an accomplished director, the prospect of combining critical acclaim with box office success was exhilarating.

49.6% 19.20 "That's fantastic, Mr. Flynn. Congratulations!" "Thank you." Following a brief exchange, Linda escorted Eric to the exit.

Fitting the premiere into his busy schedule had been difficult for Eric, but he had managed to make a brief appearance.

Exiting through a side door, Linda and Eric found themselves in a secluded corridor.

"I'm really glad today," Linda said, her excitement was evident.

Transitioning from television to her first major movie project, Linda was ecstatic about the success, feeling it marked a significant achievement in her career.

"Eric, thank you so much," she said, m her voice trembling slightly and her eyes moistening. "After Ernest's accident it seemed like everything was crumbling around me... I don't know what I would have.. your support." without

Eric, ever the caretaker, handed her a tissue. "You don't need to thank me. It's what I should do. Ernest would expect no less fromwhile he's recovering." Instead of accepting the tissue, Linda allowed Eric to dab her tears gently. “Don't cry. You don't want to ruin your makeup." Eric handled her with such tenderness.

Linda raised her gaze, meeting Eric's eyes with a hint of bewilderment. "Eric..." "Yes?" Their gazes intertwined. Gently, Linda moved closer to him, her eyes searching his for an answer...

Eric, noticing her slight wobble, instinctively supported her.

To an onlooker, they might appear as a couple caught in a moment of closeness, their interaction deeply affectionate.

At the stime, Hadley was approaching, phone in hand, talking to herself. "Is this the right floor? Central Cinema... Yeah, I believe so. Now, which door is it?" As she looked up, her eyes unexpectedly met Eric's.

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