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

Chapter 113 Deep Affection

Linda noticed Danica Vooled Wow she was born to cyst was the Buck “t's going on Cam sand

talk to me.”

“Remember the other day when 1 accidentally stepped on you foot, latar

Danica began with uncertainty, and then delved into the troubles her family was encountering in four business

“Could possibly speak with Mr. Flynn He's targeting our family to protect you, trace gested desperately. Linda

was surprised to hear that Eric was ceding trouble for the Clifford family

Danica seemed to believe Linda was the cause, but Linda herself suspected there was more to the story

Remaining calm, Linda responded, “I believe you might be misinterpreting the situation he doesn’t let personal

feelings influence his business decisions. It’s unlikely this evolves you drectly. Your father and brothers should

look into the matter.”

“Are you sure?”

Danica looked skeptical, her brow furrowed in doubt.

“Absolutely.” Linda reassured her. “I understand Eric quite well.”

Danica’s expression still showed concern. “So, you're certain it's not because of me?”

“Definitely not.” Linda offered comfort. “And it’s not solely on you to fix this. It’s beyond your control”

“You're right,” Danica replied softly, seeming to grasp the situation better.

After escorting Danica out, Linda’s face took on a more serious expression.

She paused to think before reaching for her phone to dial Eric

“Hello, Linda?” Eric's voice cthrough, sounding preoccupied. I'm short on time. What do you need?*

“Okay, straight to the point,” Linda said firmly. “What’s happening with the Clifford family? What actions are you

taking?”

Eric was taken aback. “Where did you hear about that?”

“Danica approached me,” Linda replied, letting out a weary sigh. “She’s just a clueless young girl, Eric. Is it

necessary to bear a grudge? Why not just drop it?”

Eric hesitated, but then responded with conviction, “I'm sorry, Linda | can’t do that.”

Linda, shocked and increasingly agitated, said, “Why not? Is this about Hadley?”

There was silence from Eric.

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With a bitter laugh, Linda asked, “What were you thinking, Eric? Just because Danica insulted Hadley, you're

going after her entire family in retaliation?”

Eric's voice csharply, saying, “Yes!”

His abrupt confession took Linda off guard. “You...” she said, disbelief coloring her tone.

“Linda,” Eric interjected, his voice heavy with resignation. He continued, “Danica’s harsh remarks towards

Hadley were my fault to begin with. Shouldn't | defend her?”

Linda stammered, her voice trembling with disbelief, “You, you...”

She struggled to articulate her thoughts further.

“I have to go; we shouldn't discuss this now.”

Eric then ended the call abruptly.

Holding her phone, Linda felt a sharp ache pulsing through her head.

She scoffed, disbelief lacing her tone, “Having second thoughts, are you?”

It was surprising to see Eric show any remorse. He seemed regretful about his past actions toward Hadley.

But what good did his regret do?

Linda reflected bitterly that regret was termed so because it was incapable of altering past mistakes or

correcting the wrongs already committed.

Regret, by its nature, was impotent to mend anything

Denver swung the car door open and extended his hand to assist Hadley.

“Thank you,” she said, accepting his help.

“You're welcome,” Denver replied, ensuring she was steady.

Due to Hadley’s urgent situation, Denver had missed his last visit to Ernest, but today they made it a point to

ctogether.

Upon reaching Ernest’s hospital room, they found him just waking from a nap, with Linda assisting him with

swater.

Struggling to swallow, Ernest let swater dribble down his chin, dampening his shirt.

His expression showed discomfort as he looked rather pale.

Linda acted swiftly, standing to dab at the spill with a towel. “Need more water?”

Ernest declined with a shake of his head.

“Just a moment,” Linda said.

She fetched a fresh shirt from the closet, elevated the head of the bed, and started to change his soaked shirt

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Deep Affection

“It’s uncomfortable in wet clothes. Let's get you into something dry.”

Opting not to call for a nurse, Linda carefully removed his wet shirt and dressed him in the new one herself

Gently, she maneuvered one of his arms into the sleeve. Leveraging her strength, she assisted him to a sitting

position to tidy the shirt from behind, and then gently lowered him back, guiding his other arm into the sleeve.

“There, all set.”

Linda, slightly flushed from the effort, finished helping Ernest.

As she secured his shirt, she reassured him, saying, “I know you'd rather not have the nurses see you like this.

You're okay withhelping, aren’t you? Look, | can manage on my own.”

Ernest's eyes fell to Linda, observing her in silence.

Hadley, peering through the doorway, took in the entire scene.

She felt certain that Linda’s actions were driven by genuine affection for Ernest and that her feelings were

sincere.

Yet, Hadley found Linda’s past actions puzzling.

Why had Linda done everything she did?

The child had been Ernest's blood, potentially the only piece of him Linda might have kept if he had never

awakened.

Could Linda truly have considered jeopardizing their child just to spite Hadley?

The thought seemed illogical.

Observing them quietly, Denver said, “They look like they're managing fine.” He then lifted his hand to knock

on the door.

“Please, cin.”

“Hadley, we should head inside.”

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“Sure.”

Entering the room, they noticed Linda by the bed, carefully clipping Ernest's nails.

Looking up, Linda said, “Here to visit Ernest? He's just woken up. Please, have a seat.”

She indicated the available chairs.

“Thank you.”

Denver nodded.

Hadley watched Ernest closely.

Visibly, he appeared much improved compared to before. His hair was neatly trimmed, his face was clean-

shaven, and his nails were well-maintained.

Linda finished with the nail clippers, picked up slotion, and began massaging it into Ernest's hands, their

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fingers weaving together.

She offered a gentle smile. “Now your hands won't feel so dry. Better, isn't it?”

Ernest blinked, seeming to agree.

Hadley’s expression turned contemplative, her suspicion deepening. Such detailed care couldn't stem from

anything but deep affection.

Despite having professional caregivers available to care for Ernest, Linda chose to do these tasks herself.

Ernest uttered a soft sound, his gaze shifting towards Hadley.

“Rest easy.” Linda soothed him. “Hadley’s right here, and she’ll keep coming to visit. When you're feeling up to

it, you'll have a lot to chat about.” She then turned to Hadley. “Won't you agree, Hadley?”

“Of course.”

While she often found herself at odds with Linda, Hadley agreed to her words this tand smiled warmly.

“Ernest, | promise to visit as often as | can, if that’s alright with you.”

“Ernest.” Turning towards Ernest, Denver added his introduction as he moved closer to the bed. “And I'm here as

well. You might not recognize me. My nis Denver Moran, cousin to Marshall Myers.”

Ernest seemed puzzled by the introduction.

With a playful gesture, Linda chimed in, “Just mention you're Hadley’s boyfriend. He'll catch on quickly then.”

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