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?”

just for one performance, though he also hinted they might adjust hed on

Drepared, secined they

www

WY GARE the tige enon

bed ow wow, you’d dispel all the intrigue we’ve built. We

“Becky marveling” Hadley responded

clapped enthusiastically, his laughter filling the room.

slightly embarrassed. “I’ve only

for today. We’re just setting the stage. When you eventually reveal your face, the exchement will escalate, and you’ll need to engage more with the crowd. Prepare for that. Plus,

nodded in agreement.

no need for thanks, You’ve earned it just keep

“Absolutely”

exited, Hadley took a moment

four hours each evening for a single performance, rehearsal included—it wasn’t

during the day

bit of additional income was

of stage makeup and changed back into her usual attire, Hadley picked up

second!

halted

a young

with a slim, youthful build and a face that radiated charisma.

small key pouch in his hand, which he held out to

19:13

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You

pouch, Hadley nodded, grateful. “Yes, that’s

“I

handing her the keys. “Make sure it

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

“No problem at all.”

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

familiar.”

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

man’s cheeks turned

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 turned

“Wait…”

watched her depart, slapping

that? I just made fun of Eric for

It was unfortunate.

She was truly striking

was merely visiting or worked at the club and whether

jolted awake by severe menstrual cramps. The

from sleep.

this hadn’t been

health had deteriorated due to the stress of providing

each month had become a

learned various methods to

routine, stay away from

Hadley reached for a heat patch and applied it beneath

she had no dance performance

anniversary