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 your

“Hadley Pearson.”

now

With her connections and striking appearance,

smile widened.

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

much, Mr.

“Let’s skip the formalities.”

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

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 draw the

Hadley responded with enthusiasm. Why would she

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Chapter 7 How Cheap She Had

set then.”

again, Mr.

care of, Wadley

twice

thereafter, it rang again–this time it was

as she answered,

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

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.

calls, they quickly exchanged a few crucial updates and then said their

Hadley’s priority was to secure a new

in questionable neighborhoods with poor security, while the

to move on to another viewing, her phone

Nyla was calling.

Hadley responded quickly, “Nyla?”

you right now?”

the bustling streets and the flow of traffic, Hadley replied casually, “Oh, just taking

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true.” Nyla’s laughter filled the line. “Take your time to get reacquainted with the

Nyla broached the main

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

“A party?”

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

not?” Nyla was insistent. “You are Eric’s wife. With your return, it’s important for everyone

that Eric was indeed available now that they’d

no need…” Hadley

and added, “Your grandmother’s biggest concern before you… Have she died was your well–being. She left you in my care, asking me to

down these past years? Are

I let

at all.” Hadley

seemed the

do it

obligated to honor Nyla’s

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

“Thank you.”

lost its appeal, and with the day drawing to