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

Chapter 1008:

Once Laney exited, a quiet settled over the room.

Elissa raised a hand in his direction. “Please, have a seat.”

“Alright.” Ernest sat down beside her.

Elissa frowned slightly.

Was it her imagination, or had his voice really sounded oddly familiar for that split second?

“What are you thinking?” Ernest asked, his gaze lingering. In just a few days, she seemed thinner. “You haven’t been eating well, have you?”

Elissa blinked. “You can tell?”

“Your chin’s more defined.” He studied her carefully. “Are you watching your diet? Trying to slim down?”

“No, not really,” she said, smiling faintly. “I simply haven’t had much of an appetite lately.”

He understood—it was because of her postponed eye surgery. Ernest wasn’t the type to speak much, and comforting others wasn’t his strong suit either.

“It’s your birthday. Try to enjoy it, even just a little.”

Not wanting to seem too downcast in front of someone she didn’t know that well, Elissa nodded and smiled. “Alright.”

A short while later, Laney returned, accompanied by several staff members pushing food carts.

Although Elissa couldn’t see, she could sense the sudden influx of people. She turned toward Ernest’s direction, confused. “What’s going on? There seem to be a lot of people.”

“Nothing to worry about,” he said with a small smile. “They’re just delivering the food.”noveldrama

“Huh?” Elissa’s brow lifted. “Did Laney order all this? It seems… a bit much.”

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“It’s because it’s your birthday,” Ernest explained. “The sanatorium offers a special birthday package.”

“Really?” She tilted her head, thoughtful. Given this was a high-end facility, it didn’t seem that far-fetched. “Have you ever gotten one?”

Ernest nodded without hesitation. “Yes. They even include a cake.”

“That’s amazing!” Her voice brightened. “So, I’ll get one too?”

He smiled. “Why don’t we find out?”

In the dining area, Laney had already set the table. “Miss Holland, Mr. Gilbert, please come and eat.”

“Alright.”

Ernest nodded, but then hesitated. After a moment, he gently took Elissa’s hand.

She tensed for a beat.

Before she could speak, he said quietly, “Laney’s busy. I’ll guide you.”

She murmured, allowing him to lead her toward the table. Though she couldn’t see, she felt the weight of his hand guiding her, and for the first time in a while, she felt a sense of comfort in the quiet, steady presence beside her.

He could feel his care in every movement—guiding her gently, pulling out her chair, helping her sit.

“All set. You can sit now.”

“Alright. Thank you.”

Laney smiled at Ernest before quietly leaving the room and closing the door behind her, leaving the two of them alone.

The overhead lights were off, leaving only the warm glow of wall sconces around the dining area. A polished cherrywood table sat beneath a candelabra, its flickering candles casting a soft, golden light across the room.

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