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

00%

19.08

III

O

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.

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

“Hadley Pearson.”

yes, now I

her connections and

smile widened.

board, Hadley.” She was taken aback by the ease of it all. Even with Colleen’s backing, she hadn’t anticipated such a smooth

much,

“Let’s skip the formalities.”

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

and… Let’s see…

me,” Hadley responded

16.1%

111

19.08

O

<

How

all set

you again, Mr.

taken care of, Wadley immediately

twice before

time

she answered, “Why

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

mean?” Colleen’s laughter came through the phone. “Long- distance charges add up, you know. You’re tight on cash, so I’m just trying to save you

little,”

get it,

“You got the job?”

you. Don’t stress. I’m taking care of things

long–distance calls, they quickly exchanged a

was to

checked out various listings, yet nothing seemed suitable. The affordable ones were in questionable neighborhoods with poor security, while the nicer ones were way

move on

Nyla was calling.

Hadley responded quickly, “Nyla?”

are you

casually, “Oh, just

38.1%

|||

19:08

<

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

a turn as Nyla broached

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

“A party?”

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

was insistent. “You are Eric’s wife. With your return, it’s important for everyone to

indeed available now that they’d signed

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

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

past years? Are

I let

all.” Hadley quickly comforted

seemed the

do it your way,

obligated to honor Nyla’s past

girl.” Nyla sounded pleased. “We’ll make

“Thank you.”

for an apartment had lost its appeal, and with the day