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.

a faint smile. “You come recommended by Ms. Hayes, correct? Remind me of

“Hadley Pearson.”

now I

her carefully. With her

smile widened.

was taken aback by the ease of it all. Even with

much,

“Let’s skip the formalities.”

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

a few days and… Let’s see… How does Friday sound for your

Hadley responded with

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How Cheap She

set

again, Mr.

care of, Wadley immediately

twice before cutting

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

she answered, “Why is

criticizing Colleen for her habit of returning calls immediately after

that supposed to mean?” Colleen’s laughter came through the phone. “Long- distance charges add

little,”

get it, Colleen. Thanks for that, and

“You got the job?”

brief pause, Colleen exclaimed joyfully, “I knew they’d hire you. Don’t

the expense of long–distance calls, they quickly exchanged a few

priority was to secure a new

nothing seemed suitable. The affordable ones were in questionable neighborhoods with poor security, while the nicer

to move on to another

Nyla was calling.

Hadley responded quickly, “Nyla?”

you right

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

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laughter filled the line. “Take your time to get reacquainted with the city.

then took a turn as Nyla broached the main topic of

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 really no need for a party,

wife. With your return, it’s important for everyone

that Eric was indeed available now

Nyla, there’s no need…” Hadley

she died was your well–being. She

past years? Are you angry

I let

Hadley quickly comforted

the party was

let’s do it your way,

felt obligated to

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

“Thank you.”

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