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.

come recommended by Ms.

“Hadley Pearson.”

now I

scrutinized her carefully. With her connections and striking appearance,

smile widened.

was taken aback by the ease of it all.

so much,

“Let’s skip the formalities.”

added, “With Ms. Hayes vouching for you, how could I refuse? Plus, I have no doubt you’ll be

now, let’s get your measurements for the costume. That’ll take a few days and… Let’s see…

responded with enthusiasm. Why

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Chapter 7 How

all set then.”

again,

after everything was taken care of, Wadley immediately took out

twice before cutting

thereafter, it rang again–this time it was Colleen returning

as she answered, “Why is

for her habit of returning calls

“Long- distance charges add up, you know. You’re

little,”

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

“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

expense of long–distance calls, they quickly exchanged a

Hadley’s priority was to secure a

in questionable neighborhoods with poor security, while

on to another

Nyla was calling.

Hadley responded quickly, “Nyla?”

you right now?”

replied casually, “Oh, just taking a stroll. Srixby

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the line. “Take your time to get reacquainted with

as Nyla broached the main topic of

I’m thinking we should

“A party?”

feeling such a fuss was

Eric’s wife. With your return, it’s important for everyone to see you.

Eric was indeed available now that they’d

need…” Hadley persisted

before you… Have she died was your well–being. She

years?

I let

at all.” Hadley quickly comforted

the party

do it your

obligated to honor

my girl.” Nyla sounded pleased. “We’ll make it a celebration to

“Thank you.”

apartment had lost