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.

responded with a faint smile. “You come recommended

“Hadley Pearson.”

yes, now

carefully. With her connections and striking appearance,

smile widened.

was taken aback by the ease of it all. Even with Colleen’s backing, she

much, Mr.

“Let’s skip the formalities.”

Ms. Hayes vouching for you, how could I refuse? Plus, I have no doubt

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

works for me,” Hadley responded with enthusiasm. Why would she

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7 How

set then.”

you again, Mr.

the nightclub after everything was taken care

twice before

time it was Colleen returning

as she

her habit of returning calls immediately after declining

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

little,”

“I get it,

“You got the job?”

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

the expense of long–distance calls, they quickly exchanged a few crucial updates and then said their

priority was to

yet nothing seemed suitable. The affordable ones were in questionable neighborhoods with poor security,

to move on to

Nyla was calling.

Hadley responded quickly, “Nyla?”

where are you

the bustling streets and the flow of traffic, Hadley replied casually, “Oh, just taking a stroll. Srixby

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true.” Nyla’s laughter filled the line. “Take your time to get reacquainted with the city. No

conversation then took a turn as Nyla broached the main topic of her

you left Srixby. I’m thinking we should have a little welcome- back party

“A party?”

off guard, Hadley was quick to protest, feeling such a fuss was unnecessary. “There’s

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

smirked, well aware that Eric was indeed available now that they’d signed the

Hadley persisted in

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

these past years?

I let

Hadley quickly

seemed the party

it your way,

felt obligated to honor Nyla’s

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

“Thank you.”

The search for an apartment had lost its appeal, and with the day drawing to a close, she headed