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?”

for one performance,

Drepared, secined they were adhering

www

GARE the tige

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

“Becky marveling” Hadley responded

enthusiastically, his laughter filling the room. “You’re

slightly embarrassed. “I’ve only danced

sufficient for today. We’re just setting the stage. When you eventually reveal your face, the exchement will escalate, and you’ll need to engage

W.” Hedley nodded in agreement. “Thanks,

no need for thanks, You’ve earned

“Absolutely”

had exited, Hadley took a moment to

for a single

during the day to

additional income

and changed back into her usual attire,

second! Hey,

Hadley halted in her

a young man

build and a face that radiated charisma. Self–consciously, Hadley touched her chest and raised her eyebrows.

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

19:13

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You Seem

Hadley nodded,

tapped her bag, puzzled. “I wonder how it

smile, handing her the keys. “Make sure

of being locked out without

“No problem at all.”

to gaze at her, a hint of recognition in his eyes.

familiar.”

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

man’s cheeks

you just look really familiar.” Hadley smiled and held up her key pouch. “Thanks for this.

“Wait…”

watched her depart, slapping his forehead

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

It was unfortunate.

She was truly striking

worked at the club and

stirred before dawn, jolted awake by severe menstrual cramps.

from sleep.

hadn’t been an issue

a mother, her health had deteriorated due to the stress

each month

various methods to

skip her dance routine, stay away from cold beverages, and

and applied it

she had no dance performance scheduled,

was the anniversary of her