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. Hayes, correct? Remind me of

“Hadley Pearson.”

now

scrutinized her carefully. With her connections and

smile widened.

it all. Even with Colleen’s backing, she hadn’t

so much, Mr.

“Let’s skip the formalities.”

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

your measurements 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

responded with enthusiasm.

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Chapter 7 How Cheap She Had

set then.”

again,

care of, Wadley immediately took out

twice before

it rang again–this time it was Colleen returning the

she answered,

for her habit of returning

add up, you know. You’re tight on cash, so I’m just trying to save

little,”

smile crossed Hadley’s face. “I get it, Colleen.

“You got the job?”

“I knew they’d hire you. Don’t stress. I’m

long–distance calls, they quickly exchanged

was to secure

suitable. The affordable ones were in questionable neighborhoods with poor security, while the nicer ones

prepared to move on to another viewing, her phone

Nyla was calling.

Hadley responded quickly, “Nyla?”

where are you

casually, “Oh, just taking a stroll. Srixby

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the line. “Take your time

a turn as Nyla broached the main topic of her

since you left Srixby. I’m thinking we should

“A party?”

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

it’s important for everyone to see

Eric was indeed available now that they’d signed the

Hadley persisted in her attempt

added, “Your grandmother’s biggest concern before you… Have she died was your well–being. She

past years? Are you

I let

at all.” Hadley quickly

the party was

let’s do it

felt obligated to

Nyla sounded pleased. “We’ll make it a

“Thank you.”

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