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?”

early Now Nowy was just for one performance, though he also hinted they might adjust

Drepared, secined they were

www

the tige

dispel all the intrigue we’ve built. We want to keep them

“Becky marveling” Hadley responded

clapped enthusiastically, his laughter filling the room. “You’re free to go now.

surprised and slightly embarrassed. “I’ve

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

W.” Hedley nodded

need for thanks, You’ve earned

“Absolutely”

took a moment

the schedule—just four hours each evening for

finding another job during the day to supplement her

bit of additional income was

she had removed all traces of stage makeup and changed back into her usual attire, Hadley picked

second!

halted in her

heel, spotting a young man a

feet, with a slim, youthful build and a face that radiated charisma. Self–consciously, Hadley touched her chest and

replied, stepping forward with a small key pouch in his hand, which he held out to her. “You dropped this, didn’t

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18 You Seem

Hadley nodded, grateful. “Yes,

bag, puzzled. “I wonder how it fell

handing her the keys. “Make sure

being locked out without her keys, and the expense

“No problem at all.”

at her, a hint of recognition in his eyes.

familiar.”

paused briefly before chuckling softly. “Really? That line’s a bit retro, don’t you

man’s cheeks turned a shade of

to be a line!” He exclaimed, somewhat embarrassed. “Honestly, you just look really familiar.” Hadley smiled and held up her key pouch. “Thanks for

“Wait…”

depart, slapping

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

It was unfortunate.

She was truly striking

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

jolted awake by severe menstrual

from sleep.

this hadn’t been an issue

mother, her health had deteriorated due to the stress of

each month

learned various methods

away from cold

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

dance performance scheduled, today held

the anniversary of her