Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You Can't Afford Me by Thedora Birnir

Chapter 17 Her Debut Performance

Eric walked over and picked up the tube of ointment from the coffee table, examining it carefully.

The seal was intact.

Hadley hadn’t used it at all.

A cold smirk spread across his face. “Still playing the martyr for attention, I see.”

If Hadley chose not to use the ointment, that was her choice.

He wasn’t going to let it bother him.

Memories of how she hurt Linda four years ago resurfaced. He believed he had already extended more than enough grace to her.

With an indifferent flick of his wrist, Eric threw the ointment into the trash can and walked off.

Outside Silver Villas, Hadley activated her phone and called a rental agent. She dedicated her day to apartment

hunting.

By the late afternoon, she had secured a place.

It was a modest, slightly worn one–bedroom apartment in the older section of the city. It wasn’t lux…

us, but

it featured a kitchen and a bathroom–sufficient for her needs to cook and maintain her personal hygiene.

Given her limited budget, this was the best option available.

The agent inquired, “What do you think? Will this do?”

Hadley gave a small nod. “Yes, it’s fine,” she answered quietly.

“Excellent,” the agent responded. “I’ll draw up the contract. Once I confirm a few details with the landlord, you can move in soon.”

“Really? That’s great! Thank you so much.”

Securing her new living arrangement eased a significant weight off Hadley’s shoulders.

That evening, she experienced her first peaceful night’s sleep in a long time.

In contrast, Eric spent another night away from home.

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19:12

17 Her Debut

Today was Friday.

her debut performance later. She knew she couldn’t afford any mistakes

was crucial on her

twenty minutes to spare, ready to make a good

captivate everyone!” He motioned towards a collection of dazzling costumes. “We’re all set here. Now it’s up to

a tentative smile and a nod, “I’ll give it my

I want to hear! Now, go put on

“Understood.”

jazz dance, complete with an exquisite mask,

on the concept earlier. “Mystery enhances appeal. It captivates the audience. By revealing less, we pique their curiosity, making them eager for more. This

was designed to draw in

face is a

about the marketing

primary goal was to make money, so she complied with the plans without any

by for a final check. “Are you all

“I’m ready,” she replied.

rose to her feet and

featured a pole dancer, which

costume contrasted with the overt

her music cue sounded, Hadley stepped into

bright red lipstick accentuated her mouth, enhancing her mysterious allure without crossing into vulgarity. Her appearance was compelling,

her face, enhanced by a

flowing white silk shirt that billowed around her as she moved, coupled with organza harem pants that subtly revealed her

the crowd with a captivating smile, her natural charm

without a word.

with the intimate tunes

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19:12

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17

“Wow!”

throughout the venue

the stage, Eric was spending the evening with his friends Barrie

and Marshall Myers.

along his cousin, Denver Moran, who had just returned from studying abroad, still exuding a fresh school

introducing Denver to the local

you’re a big boy and about to join the family business, you

his natural

changed as Hadley began her performance, instantly capturing the attention of everyone in

venue.

“Check out the new act at Galant. She’s

“Appears so,” Marshall replied.

pointing towards the stage. “It’s incredibly slender. Looks like I could easily circle it

are you pointing her out to Eric?” Marshall chuckled, shaking

“Hey.”

and interrupted sharply, “Go ahead, keep making those