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

Chapter 7 How Cheap She Had Been

“Understood.”

Hadley nodded. “I won’t cook here again.”

Noticing his evident revulsion, she assured him. “I’ll ventilate the kitchen later to clear

out the smells and make sure everything is cleaned up.”

“You?” With a scoff, Eric mocked, “You struggle with noodles, and now you want to clean?

Don’t bother. Let the housekeeper handle it tomorrow.”

He then turned and ascended the stairs.

At last, some peace…

Relieved, Hadley exhaled and resumed her seat.

The noodles, now even more unappetizing in their cold and mushy state, stared back at

her.

Expressionless, Hadley picked up her fork and hurriedly finished the noodles.

She then proceeded to open the windows to air out the kitchen, tidied up the space, and collapsed onto the couch in the living room.

Opting against the guest room, she didn’t want to give him any further reasons to complain about odors again.

Her plan was to start looking for an apartment the following day; for the moment, she would cope with the situation as best as she could.

The next morning, Hadley was up early and left the house before Eric could descend the

stairs.

She urgently needed both employment and a place to live.

The previous evening, Hadley had meticulously mapped out her journey. She headed

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Chapter 7 How Cheap She Had Been

directly to the bus stop, and then switched to the subway.

Her target was Galant, a well–known nightclub in the city.

Trained in modern dance, Hadley was there to try out for a position as a dancer

Galant was notorious locally as a hotspot where affluent patrons splurged on extravagant entertainment.

Yet, Hadley was undeterred. Her goal was to earn a living and sustain herself.

Moreover, she was there to showcase her skills, not to partake in anything dubious. There was dignity in her purpose.

When she reached the nightclub, she followed the instructions provided by her friend Colleen Hayes to locate a manager named Lennon Lewis.

As it was during the day and the club was not open, her meeting with Lennon happened swiftly.

“Good day, Mr. Lewis,” Hadley said, standing poised and composed.

“You come recommended by Ms.

“Hadley Pearson.”

yes, now

With her connections and striking

smile widened.

board, Hadley.” She was taken aback by the ease of it

much,

“Let’s skip the formalities.”

a grin, Lennon added, “With Ms. Hayes vouching for you, how could I refuse? Plus, I have no

then mentioned, “For now, let’s get your measurements for the costume. That’ll take a few days and… Let’s see… How does Friday sound for your first night? It’s when we usually

works for me,” Hadley responded with enthusiasm. Why

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How Cheap She

all set then.”

you again,

of the nightclub after everything was taken care of, Wadley

twice before

it rang again–this time it was Colleen returning

she answered, “Why is

was playfully criticizing Colleen for her habit of returning calls immediately after declining them

phone. “Long- distance charges add up, you know. You’re tight on cash, so I’m just trying to save you

little,”

A gentle smile crossed Hadley’s face. “I get it, Colleen. Thanks for that, and for the job

“You got the job?”

exclaimed joyfully, “I knew they’d hire you. Don’t stress. I’m taking care of things here in Blathe for

of long–distance calls, they quickly exchanged

priority was to secure

ones were in questionable neighborhoods with poor security, while the nicer

to move on to another viewing,

Nyla was calling.

Hadley responded quickly, “Nyla?”

are you right now?”

traffic, Hadley replied casually, “Oh, just taking a

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laughter filled the line. “Take your time to get reacquainted with the city. No need to

Nyla

four years since you left Srixby. I’m thinking we should have a

“A party?”

was quick to protest, feeling such a fuss was unnecessary. “There’s really no need for a party,

Nyla was insistent. “You are Eric’s wife. With your return, it’s important for everyone to see you. They might otherwise assume Eric

was indeed available

there’s no need…” Hadley persisted in her attempt

and added, “Your grandmother’s biggest concern before you… Have she

these past years? Are you angry with

I let

all.” Hadley quickly comforted

the party

it your way,

obligated to honor Nyla’s past

pleased. “We’ll make it

“Thank you.”

the call, Hadley let out a heavy sigh. The search for an apartment had lost its appeal, and with the day