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

Chapter 58 You Actually

Let Him Kiss You

Hadley held the medicine bottle tightly, as if it were her last lifeline.

With this, there was nothing to be afraid of.

That evening. That evening, at Galant.

After the performance, Lennon led her toward a private room in the back. “He’s waiting inside.”

“Alright.”

Hadley lifted a hand and knocked on the door.

Before he left, Lennon gave her one last warning. “Watch yourself.”

“Alright.”

“Cin.”

Hadley took a steadying breath and pushed the door open.

“Mr. Murray.”

The room was bathed in soft lighting, the warm glow casting long shadows. A gramophone on the table played a

slow, soothing melody.

Duran stood, offering a soft smile as he pulled out a chair for her. “Have a seat.”

“Thank you.”

Duran settled across from her and gestured toward the table. “Hungry? | had these prepared for you.”

“Really?”

Her gaze landed on a rich brownie and a bow! of Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit.

Duran leaned back, watching her reaction. “I asked Lennon. He said you liked these.”

Hadley hesitated for a beat, warmth creeping into her expression. “I do,” she admitted, her voice softer.

Despite everything-his age, the secrecy of their arrangement-he had taken the tto learn something about

her.

Maybe this wouldn't be as hard as she thought.

“Thank you,” she said, meaning it.

Hadley picked up a spoon and began to eat.

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Chapter 58 You Actually

Let Him Kiss You

Hadley held the medicine bottle tightly, as if it were her last lifeline.

With this, there was nothing to be afraid of.

That evening. That evening, at Galant.

After the performance, Lennon led her toward a private room in the back. “He’s waiting inside.”

“Alright.”

Hadley lifted a hand and knocked on the door.

Before he left, Lennon gave her one last warning. “Watch yourself.”

“Alright.”

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“Cin.”

Hadley took a steadying breath and pushed the door open.

“Mr. Murray.”

The room was bathed in soft lighting, the warm glow casting long shadows. A gramophone on the table played

a slow, soothing melody.

Duran stood, offering a soft smile as he pulled out a chair for her. “Have a seat.”

“Thank you.”

Duran settled across from her and gestured toward the table. “Hungry? | had these prepared for

you.”

“Really?”

Her gaze landed on a rich brownie and a bow! of Greek yogurt topped with fresh fruit.

Duran leaned back, watching her reaction. “I asked Lennon. He said you liked these.”

Hadley hesitated for a beat, warmth creeping into her expression. “I do,” she admitted, her voice softer. Despite

everything-his age, the secrecy of their arrangement-he had taken the tto learn something about

her.

Maybe this wouldn't be as hard as she thought.

“Thank you,” she said, meaning it.

Hadley picked up a spoon and began to eat.

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13:56

D3

<

slage makeup and changed into something simple, almost modest. Yet, despite the toned-down look, there was

no hiding the quiet elegance she carried-the kind that made people look twice.

Duran studied her for a beat before asking. “How old are you, anyway?”

“Twenty-four.”

A soft sigh escaped him. “So young.” His gaze lingered, the weight of it making his words feel heavier than they

should.

“I'm full.” Hadley set down her spoon.

“Mr. Murray...” She pushed back her chair and stood, offering her hand with a small smile. “Thanks for the food

Care to dance?”

Duran chuckled, slipping his fingers into hers. “Why not?”

The moment their hands met, Hadley tensed-just for a second. A shiver of unease flickered through her, but she

smothered it before it could settle.

Duran rose, his grip steady as he slid his other arm around her waist.

Hadley rested a hand on his shoulder, falling into step with him as the music swayed around them.

“Hadley,” Duran murmured, his voice smooth and unreadable.

Duran studied her, his gaze unwavering. “Do you understand what | want from you?”

“Yes.” Hadley lifted her chin, meeting his eyes without hesitation. “I do.”

“And you're willing?”

He already knew the answer-her actions had spoken for her. But still, Duran wanted to hear it.

“Yes.” Hadley’s voice was steady, her resolve unmistakable. “I'm willing.”

A slow smile curved her lips as she looked up at him.

She was like a delicate flower, and when she smiled, it was as if that flower bloomed right before his eyes.

“Alright, good to know.”

Duran swallowed, his throat suddenly dry. He reached up to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

“It’s getting late. | should head out.”

What? Hadley hesitated. Was he really leaving without her?

Duran caught the flicker of confusion in her eyes and smiled.

“Not tonight, but soon. I'll take you somewhere nicer than this. We'll have dinner and everything. It shouldn't

happen in a place like this-you deserve better.”

He let go of her waist but kept her hand in his. “Walkout?”

“Alright.” Hadley quickly steadied herself and followed as he led her toward the exit.

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Meanwhile, just outside, Eric's car approached Galant.

Eric hadn't set foot in Galant for ages, and he wasn’t here for a casual visit. He had one goal-to find out who

Hadley’s new man was.

Eric remained across the street, hidden in the shadows of his car, his eyes locked on Galant’s entrance. This

wasn't exactly something he could talk to other people-this was personal, and he needed to handle it alone.

Rather than parking in front, he had chosen a spot with the perfect view of the door. He'd see Hadley the

moment she stepped outside, no distractions.

“Here | am, almost-ex-husband of the year, acting like soverprotective big brother,” Eric thought.

He almost laughed at the irony.

Then, through the tinted glass, he spotted her. Hadley. But she wasn’t alone. Her hand was wrapped around

another man’s.

And just as his stomach tightened, the valet brought Duran’s car around.

Hadley glanced up at Duran, her voice light. “Mr. Murray, drive safely.”

“Sure.”

Duran’s smile softened as he let go of Hadley’s hand and slid into the car. But just as he was about to close the

door, he paused, glancing back at her. “Hadley.”

“Yes?” She smiled, her gaze steady.

Duran hesitated for a brief moment, his nerves catching up to him. “Can | kiss you?”

Hadley froze, a flash of tension in her muscles. Her fists clenched instinctively, but she kept her smile intact. “Of

course,” she replied, her voice calm.

“Great.”

Duran stepped forward, his hand reaching out to gently cup her cheek, his touch lingering.

Then Duran lowered his head.

Hadley closed her eyes, a faint crease forming on her brow as a wave of tension swept through her.

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Sensing her unease, Duran hesitated. In the end, instead of kissing her lips, he gently pressed his lips to he

forehead.

Hadley blinked slowly, her eyes fluttering open, confusion flickering across her face. “Mr. Murray.

Duran chuckled softly, his gaze kind. “Don’t be nervous. Take your time. You need it, and | need tt prepare

myself too.”

With a final smile, he stepped back, released her, and slid into the car.

Hadley stood frozen for a moment, her mind racing. “Take care,” she said softly, her voice almost a whisper.

Her heart still raced, but she tried to remind herself to be grateful...

Lennon hadn't lied to her. Duran really was one of the better patrons.

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Hadley let out a soft chuckle, forcing the bitterness down into her chest.

She was already in this mess, so what was the point of being picky anymore?

“Hadley!”

A voice suddenly cut through the air, sharp and commanding. A firm grip then seized her wrist, yanking her with

such force that it felt as if her bones might snap. Hadley gasped, the sudden pain making her cry out.

“Ah!”

Hadley’s breath caught as she looked up, her gaze meeting Eric’s furious stare. His jaw was clenched, and his

Adam's apple bobbed with the intensity of his anger.

His handsface was twisted with rage, yet even in that moment, Eric was undeniably striking

“Eric? W-what are you...”

Hadley stammered, caught off guard by Eric's sudden appearance and the storm of fury in his eyes.

“Is he your boyfriend?” Eric's voice was sharp, each word cutting through the air. Veins bulged on his forehead as

he spoke, his tone frigid.

“Yes.” Hadley nodded, feeling a knot tighten in her chest.

“Do you even know who he is?” Eric pressed, his voice low and dangerous. “Duran Murray is old enough to be

your father!”

“I am aware,” Hadley replied evenly, her voice betraying no hint of unease. “Older men can be more caring. You

know...”

Before she could finish her sentence, Eric’s hand shot out, gripping her chin with unrelenting force.

“Hadley!”

Eric's voice cracked with frustration as he yanked her closer, his grip tightening painfully. “Are you out of your

mind? Out of all the men in the world, you picked him?”

Eric's eyes flashed with sudden, raw realization. Without warning, he reached for her forehead, rubbing it with an

intensity that made her flinch.

“You even let him kiss you? Huh? You actually let him kiss you!” His words were like a punch, the fury clear in

every syllable.

Eric's grip was relentless, and his hand on Hadley’s forehead felt like it could tear the skin right oft.

FAN

Hadley whimpered, struggling to pull away, but Eric was too strong. Pain shot through her, and her vision blurred

with tears.

“Eric! Stop it! You're hurting me!” Her voice cracked, desperate for him to release her. “It hurts so much!

Please...” “Serves you right!” Eric hissed, his eyes blazing with fury. “You let him kiss you! Sold creep

doesn’t deserve to even touch you!”

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