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

Chapter 823:

“What’s with the shock?” Eric laughed. “A top-notch doctor doesn’t just see anyone. Ernest’s got the pull, and unlike me, he’s got time on his hands.”

It made sense, so Hadley nodded. “Pass along our thanks to Ernest, will you?”

“Consider it done.”

Once Eric had departed, Hadley guided Elissa out the door as well. She had arranged a morning meeting with Colleen’s cousin, and since Elissa couldn’t be left alone, she came along.

Once they arrived, Hadley found them a cozy spot. “Elissa, sorry for dragging you into the fray.”

“I’m the one who should be sorry,” Elissa replied, her sightless eyes blinking vacantly as she shook her head. “You’ve got big fish to fry, and here I am slowing you down.”

“No need to stand on ceremony with me,” Hadley said warmly, brushing off the apology with a smile. They exchanged a glance and a subtle, knowing smile.

“Pardon me, are you Hadley Pearson?”

Hadley rose to her feet, turning to see a young man in his early thirties striding toward her.

Dressed in a sharp suit, he carried an air of quiet confidence, his features faintly echoing Colleen’s. He must be Colleen’s cousin—Zane Hayes.

“Hello, Mr. Hayes.” Hadley offered a warm smile and extended her hand. “Indeed, I’m Hadley Pearson.”

She cast a quick, curious glance over his shoulder, wondering why he had arrived solo, without so much as an assistant in tow.

“No need to crane your neck,” Zane said with a light chuckle. “I’m…”

Elissa froze, her response sluggish. “I suppose so.”

Naturally, she had no desire to stay in the dark forever, but she had only just escaped her captor and hadn’t had a moment to think about where to turn, who might help, or if a cure was even possible. Hadley caught the drift of Eric’s plan. “Do you have a doctor in mind?” With the Flynn family’s web of connections, she could bet her bottom dollar they knew someone who could help.

“You bet,” Eric said with a playful wink. “If Elissa is open to it, I’ll pull some strings.”noveldrama

Elissa bit her lip. “Won’t that trouble you?”

“Not in the least.” Eric’s gaze softened as it landed on Hadley. “You’re Hadley’s friend, and you’ve looked after her plenty. Hooking you up with a doctor is small potatoes.”

“Hadley,” Elissa murmured, hesitating as she pieced together that Eric’s kindness stemmed from his devotion to her friend.

Hadley’s heart did a little dance—touched, tangled, and torn. She hadn’t seen this coming from Eric.

The thought of leaving Srixby soon—leaving him—gnawed at her, but abandoning Elissa wasn’t an option.

Steeling herself, she met Eric’s eyes with a resolute smile. “Thank you. Please make it happen.”

“There you go thanking me again,” Eric teased, his fingers brushing Hadley’s cheek in a tender, effortless gesture.

“I’ll set it up for tomorrow morning.” He rose to his feet. “Oh, and I might not make it myself, so I’ll send Ernest in my place.”

“What? Ernest?” Hadley and Elissa chimed in unison, jaws dropping.

“What’s with the shock?” Eric laughed. “A top-notch doctor doesn’t just see anyone. Ernest’s got the pull, and unlike me, he has time on his hands.”

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