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

AAN W Drepared, secined they were adhering to the initial

www

the tige

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

“Becky marveling” Hadley responded

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

wes both surprised and slightly embarrassed. “I’ve only danced

reamed her, “That’s 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 more with

nodded in agreement. “Thanks, Mr. Lewis.”

for thanks, You’ve earned it just

“Absolutely”

took a

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

thought about finding another job during the day to supplement

bit of additional income was

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

second! Hey,

Hadley halted in her

pivoted on her heel, spotting a young man a few

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

he replied, stepping forward with a small key pouch in his hand, which he

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You Seem Really

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

puzzled. “I wonder how

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

Hadley responded, genuinely relieved. The thought of being locked out without her

“No problem at all.”

his eyes. “I’m sorry, but do

familiar.”

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

The young man’s cheeks turned

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

“Wait…”

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

jolted awake by severe menstrual

from sleep.

been an

had deteriorated

each month had become a harsh

had learned various methods to

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

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

no dance performance

the anniversary of her