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

Chapter 18 You Seem Really Familiar

Before Barrie or Marshall could react, Denver accidentally inhaled his sparkling wine, causing it to spray out.

Embarrassment colored his face a deep red. “I’m so sorry…”

As he continued to apologize profusely, Denver couldn’t help but comment, “Eric, that line was pretty cheesy. You know, if you were trying to flirt with someone like that, they’d just laugh it off.”

Eric was momentarily taken aback.

Both Barrie and Marshall exchanged looks before erupting into laughter.

“Look at that!” Barrie chuckled, giving Eric a friendly pat on the shoulder. “Mr. Flynn, you’ve been burned! How

does that feel?”

“Knock it off,” Eric retorted with a smile, playfully pushing Barrie’s hand away.

His gaze returned to the stage, still trying to pinpoint why she looked so familiar.

As the song concluded, Hadley removed her hat and held it against her chest, bowing slightly to the audience.

From the crowd came enthusiastic calls, shouting, “Don’t stop at the hat! Let’s see under the mask too!”

“Exactly! Your moves are top–notch, and your figure is stunning. How about your face?”

“Come on!”

The crowd persisted.

Hadley, however, chose to ignore the clamor, offering a swift smile and a quick bow before she turned and disappeared backstage.

“Where’s she off to now?”

“Stay, even if you won’t reveal your face, dance again!”

Yet, Hadley continued on her way, leaving the audience’s pleas behind.

Backstage, Lennon burst into the dressing room, his face alight with excitement.

“You absolutely killed it with that dance, Hadley!” he exclaimed.

Standing, Hadley offered a modest smile. “Thank you, Mr. Lewis. I just did what I could.”

“Don’t be modest!”

Lennon dismissed her humility with a wave of his hand. “Just as I thought, everyone’s buzzing about who the

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Hiew *# *re he sensation night from the start!”

Hadley Naneve,

Wyss that mean my work for tonight is finished?”

Now Nowy was just for one performance, though he also hinted they might adjust hed on Hw

Drepared, secined they were

www

the tige

bed ow wow, you’d dispel all the intrigue we’ve built. We want to keep them longing

“Becky marveling” Hadley responded

the room. “You’re free to go now.

surprised and slightly embarrassed. “I’ve only danced

and you’ll need to engage more with the crowd. Prepare for that. Plus, once that starts, you’ll see additional tips on

I get W.” Hedley nodded in agreement.

for thanks, You’ve earned

“Absolutely”

Hadley took

evening for a single performance, rehearsal included—it

finding another job during the day

bit of additional income

all traces of stage makeup and changed back into her usual attire, Hadley picked up her bag and made her way toward the exit.

a second!

halted in her

a young man a few paces

remarkably tall, standing over six feet, with a slim, youthful build and a face that radiated charisma. Self–consciously, Hadley touched

small key pouch in his hand, which

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18 You Seem Really

pouch, Hadley nodded, grateful. “Yes,

bag, puzzled. “I wonder how

a friendly smile, handing her the

The thought of being locked out without her keys, and the expense

“No problem at all.”

at her, a hint of recognition in his eyes. “I’m sorry, but do

familiar.”

paused briefly before chuckling softly. “Really? That line’s a bit

young man’s cheeks turned a

wasn’t meant to be a line!” He exclaimed, somewhat embarrassed. “Honestly, you just look really familiar.” Hadley smiled and held up her key pouch. “Thanks for this. Bye,” she said, and quickly

“Wait…”

slapping his forehead in

made fun of Eric for being old–school, and here I am, sounding just like

It was unfortunate.

She was truly striking

she was merely visiting or worked at the club and whether they might meet

severe menstrual cramps. The pain

from sleep.

hadn’t been an issue

since becoming a mother, her health had deteriorated due to the stress of providing for her

each month had become a harsh

had learned various methods to

skip her dance routine, stay away from

reached for a heat patch and applied it beneath her clothes,

dance performance scheduled, today

anniversary of her