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

Her Debut

Today was Friday.

her energy for her debut performance later. She knew she couldn’t afford

on her first day of

and reached Galant with twenty minutes to spare,

captivate everyone!” He motioned towards a collection

responded with a tentative smile and a nod, “I’ll

want to hear! Now, go put on

“Understood.”

act for the evening was a jazz dance, complete with an exquisite

their curiosity, making

draw in

face is

about

money, so she

Lennon came by for a final check. “Are

“I’m ready,” she replied.

to her feet and drew

act had featured a pole dancer, which

understated costume contrasted with the overt sensuality of the

music cue sounded,

mask veiled the upper part of her face, while bright red lipstick accentuated her mouth, enhancing her mysterious allure

her face, enhanced by a

billowed around her as she moved,

greeted the crowd with a captivating smile, her

without a word.

with the intimate tunes of

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19:12

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17 Her

“Wow!”

whistles echoed throughout the venue as the audience

Eric

and Marshall Myers.

who had just returned from

were introducing Denver to the

Denver a drink, Marshall said, “Now that you’re a big boy and about to join the family business, you need to

Denver replied, his natural reticence still

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

venue.

leaned forward for a better view. “Check out the new act at Galant. She’s

“Appears so,” Marshall replied.

waist,” Barrie commented, nudging Eric and pointing towards the stage. “It’s incredibly

are you pointing her out to Eric?” Marshall chuckled, shaking his head. “Come

“Hey.”

sharply, “Go ahead, keep making those comments, I dare