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

Chapter 59 A Diamond Ring On Her Finger

Eric was taken aback by the implications of his own statement

It seemed to suggest that Hadley was someone irreplaceable

When had he cto view her as beyond the reach of others?

The whole situation felt bizarre.

A wave of panic washed over Eric, constricting his throat and drying his mouth as he hurried to darify

“What | meant to ask was, are you really that desperate? Or are you just settling for leftovers with someone the

him?”

Hadley was still reeling from Eric's initial remarks when his cutting words struck her

She stopped, her eyes, clear and piercing, meeting Eric's. A soft, scornful chuckle escaped her by

Lifting her chin defiantly, Hadley responded coldly, “You can try to knockdown all you like, but cMr.

Murray out of it, will you?”

Eric instantly regretted his words.

His intention had been to provoke a realization in Hadley, but he recognized that he had overstepped

“What kind of man do | deserve, Eric?” Hadley asked, her hands balling into fists at her sides. “As you put it, I'm

the punchline of Srixby, a divorced woman working the club scene. Getting together with Mr. Murray? That would

be reaching for the stars for someone like me.”

“I didn’t mean it that way!” Eric retorted, his frustration evident. He had intended to convey that Duran simply

wasn't worthy of her.

“So, what are you trying to say?”

Hadley’s smile was cold as her demeanor cooled further.

Continuing sharply, Hadley said, “Mr. Flynn, please understand. Mr. Murray treatswell. I'm asking you, don’t

ruin this for me!”

She cast a long, imploring look at Eric before turning to flee.

“Hadley! Wait!” Eric called out in annoyance.

However, Hadley did not look back, her figure hastening under the street lamps, her silhouette flickering in the

light.

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Chapter 59 Diamond Ring On Her finger

fox massaged bus templer, feeling a headache coming on. This woman was somehow more infuriating than

Sor that evening. Duran hade’t shown his face at Galant

Though the appeared composed, Hadley harbored a growing anxiety, Would he ever return?

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Duran hadn't made a physical appearance, but he had made contact eventually.

“Hatley, it’s*

“Mr. Murray,” Hadley responded, her emotions a tangle of happiness and worry.

She was relieved he remembered her, yet anxious for the sreason.

“When are you done for the night?”

He was aware that Hadley’s shifts at Galant varied with the event schedule.

“This evening...” Hadley figured. “It'll be a quick one. Mr. Lewis’ linedup first.”

“That sounds good,” Duran responded cheerfully. “It’s a bit late, but would you like to have dinner afterward? Are

you interested?”

“Definitely,” Hadley replied promptly.

“Excellent. I'll see you later then.”

“Until tonight.”

Once the call ended, Hadley received a text from Duran detailing the tand place for dinner.

Hadley secured her phone, completed her performance at Galant, quickly notified Lennon, and then dashed to

her meeting

Unnoticed, a watchful eye tracked her exit...

The meeting was arranged at the Red Shell Bistro.

To ensure privacy, a private room had been reserved, away from curious onlookers.

Duran was already there, awaiting her arrival when Hadley walked in.

“Mr. Murray,” said Hadley, having sped over as fast as she could. “I apologize for any delay.”

“It’s perfectly fine.”

Standing, Duran greeted her with a gentle smile and took her hand. “A true gentleman always waits for mis

lady.”

He showed her to her seat, pulling out a chair for her with care.

He then offered her the menu. “Please, choose whatever you'd like.”

“Thank you.”

She selected a meal that was tastefully understated, neither too lavish nor too modest.

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Chapter 59 A Diamond Ring On Her Fimper

Duran’s gaze lingered on Hadley with curiosity.

She was unlike the usual dancers he met. Lennon had once shared that she was a graduate from the Chauncey

Academy of Art

She had an artistic flair, enhanced by her experiences studying abroad.

This suggested she cfrom a cultured background.

“Hadley.” Duran said cautiously. “Do you have any family?”

Mid-drink, Hadley paused, her water glass halfway to her lips.

With a slight, sad smile, she shook her head. “No, I'm on my own now.”

“What?”

Duran seemed surprised.

Misinterpreting his surprise as confusion, Hadley said, “All my relatives are gone. It’s just me.”

That explained a lot

about her.

No wonder she ended up performing at Galant and was now even open to being with one of her patrons.

“Hadley.” Duran expressed, his voice soft with compassion. “From this moment, consideryour family. I'm

here for you.”

“Alright.” Hadley nodded, her eyes misting as she sniffled and managed a small smile.

“By the way.”

Delving into his pocket, Duran produced a small velvet box. He flipped it open and presented it to Hadley.

“I got this for you.”

“What's this?”

Hadley peered inside.

Nestled within the box was a sizable diamond ring.

The diamond gleamed brilliantly in the lighting.

“Is this for me?”

“Yes.”

With a warm smile, Duran took the ring and carefully placed it on Hadley’s left middle finger.

“Do you like it?”

Just then, outside the door...

“Mr. Flynn, this is not your reservation. You're in the wrong room.”

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13:56

“Is that so?” Eric pretended to be confused. “I made this booking myself. How could | get it wrong? It must be

this room!”

He had tracked Hadley to this very room, watching her go inside.

Regardless of the circumstances, Eric was resolved to enter. He needed to get Hadley out.

“Please, Mr. Flynn, don’t...”

The server was unable to prevent Eric as he barged through, swinging the door open to the private room.

Immediately, Eric’s gaze fixed on Duran, who was clasping Hadley’s hand, with a sparkling diamond ring

adorning her finger.

Had things really progressed to this stage? Did he just propose?

“Mr. Flynn?”

Taken aback by the abrupt entry, Duran recognized the intruder.

Swiftly letting go of Hadley’s hand, Duran rose, greeting Eric with a smile. “Mr. Flynn, to what do we owe this

visit?”

With a chuckle, Eric stepped closer, extending his hand to Duran. “Mr. Murray,” he murmured, his eyes closing

momentarily in a gesture of remorse.

“Apologies, it seems I've confused the room numbers and intruded. Sorry for the interruption,” Eric explained, his

eyes drifting over Hadley, his smile carrying a trace of irony.

“And who might this be? Mr. Murray, won't you make introductions?”

“Apologies.”

With an awkward laugh, Duran motioned towards Hadley. “This is Hadley Pearson. She's just starting out on

one of our projects, essentially a colleague. Hadley, meet Mr. Eric Flynn.”

“Pleased to meet you, Mr. Flynn,” Hadley said, rising to her feet, her hands resting at her sides.

Eric's voice carried a hint of playfulness as he played along and pretended not to know Hadley.

“A new colleague, you say? So charming, yet only just beginning? Mr. Murray, you shouldn't keep talents like

her so hidden.”

At Eric’s words, Duran visibly tensed, shaking his head vigorously. “No, no, she’s genuinely just starting out.”

“Is that so?”

Eric’s gaze intensified, focusing on Hadley as if under a spotlight.

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