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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19:13

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

Hadley Naneve,

Wyss that mean my work for tonight is finished?”

performance, though he also hinted they might

W Drepared, secined they were adhering to

www

WY GARE the tige enon

the intrigue we’ve

“Becky marveling” Hadley responded

the room.

Hedley wes both surprised and slightly embarrassed.

the exchement will escalate, and you’ll need to engage more with the crowd. Prepare for that. Plus, once that starts,

nodded in agreement.

thanks, You’ve earned it just keep

“Absolutely”

Hadley took a moment to remove

the schedule—just four hours each evening for a single performance, rehearsal

about finding another job during the day to

of additional income

removed all traces of stage makeup and changed back into her usual attire,

second! Hey,

halted in

her heel, spotting a

slim, youthful build and a face that radiated

small key pouch in his hand,

19:13

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18 You Seem

Hadley nodded,

bag, puzzled. “I wonder how

with a friendly smile, handing her the keys. “Make sure it doesn’t

locked out without her keys, and the expense

“No problem at all.”

continued to gaze at her, a hint of recognition in his eyes. “I’m sorry, but do I know you? You

familiar.”

That line’s a bit retro, don’t you

The young man’s cheeks turned a shade of

Hadley smiled and held up her key pouch. “Thanks for this. Bye,”

“Wait…”

her depart, slapping his forehead

I just made fun of Eric for being old–school, and

It was unfortunate.

She was truly striking

was merely visiting or worked at the club and

jolted awake by severe menstrual cramps. The pain was intense,

from sleep.

this hadn’t been an issue for

a mother, her health had deteriorated due to the stress of

recurring pain each month had become a harsh

had learned various methods

dance routine, stay away from cold beverages, and endure

from her bed, Hadley reached for a heat patch and applied it beneath her clothes, hoping the warmth would soothe the

performance scheduled, today held significant

the anniversary of her