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

Chapter 923:

“Alright,” Ernest agreed without protest.

He added, “If anything happens overnight, ring the nurse. And if Eric’s condition shifts at all, call me right away.”

“Don’t worry,” Linda teased with a mock glare. “Do you think I’d forget?”

“Just overly cautious, I suppose,” Ernest replied, rising to grab his coat from the sofa. Slipping it on, he casually tucked the pencil into his pocket.

Linda’s lips curved faintly, though she feigned ignorance.

In the stillness of the late night, Linda sat beside the hospital bed, a book in hand, her eyes tracing Eric’s quiet features.

When he was this serene, the resemblance to Ernest was uncanny. How remarkable, she thought, that two people could mirror each other so closely!

“Eric,” she said softly, opening the book on her lap, “The doctor suggested we keep talking to you. I’ve been chattering away, but you’re still not responding. I hope I’m not boring you. How about I read instead? This is one you’ve always loved…”

She dipped her gaze and began to read in a gentle tone.

“The count looked away. The woman before him stood rigid, her pale face set with a steely stare… Eric, come back to us. Promise me you’ll open your eyes by morning, alright?”

As the first light of dawn crept in, Ernest eased the hospital room door open and stepped inside.

Eric remained motionless on the bed, eyes shut, while Linda dozed with her head resting near the edge, the book beside her.noveldrama

Ernest let out a quiet breath, lifted the book away, and retrieved a blanket from the sofa to drape over her.

Linda shifted, blinking awake. “Ernest, you’re here already? It’s so early.”

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“Yeah,” he nodded. “I couldn’t sleep.”

Twenty-four hours had passed, and Eric still hadn’t stirred.

Only two-thirds of the doctor’s 72-hour window remained.

Linda’s eyes shimmered with unshed tears. “We’ll see what the doctor has to say. It’s too soon to give up.”

“Okay,” Ernest said with a nod. What else could he do but stay by his brother’s side and support him?

Meanwhile, Hadley was at home, taking a break. She was sorting through ingredients for lunch when her phone buzzed with Ernest’s name on the screen. Her pulse jumped.

Could it mean…

She hesitated to guess and picked up. “Ernest.”

“Hadley.” From his spot by Eric’s bedside, Ernest spoke. “I’m calling to let you know that Eric is still unconscious.”

Hadley fell quiet, her fingers tightening around the phone, lips parting but words failing her.

“Hadley,” Ernest pressed, his voice tinged with a plea. “I don’t know what’s between you and Eric, but won’t you come to see him?”

“Ernest,” she replied, her brow creasing as she struggled to speak. “Do you honestly think my voice will pull him out of this?”

He paused, then said, “I’m not a doctor, but I’ve been in his shoes. I believe a reason to fight can work wonders.”

Hadley’s eyes flickered rapidly. “If you believe that, then you’d know I’ve never been what he needs.”

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