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?”

had maximed early Now Nowy was just for one performance,

W Drepared, secined they were adhering to the initial

www

the

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

“Becky marveling” Hadley responded

filling the room.

surprised and slightly embarrassed.

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 the crowd. Prepare for that. Plus, once that starts, you’ll see additional tips on top of your

I get W.” Hedley nodded in agreement. “Thanks, Mr. Lewis.”

You’ve earned it just keep up the great

“Absolutely”

took a moment to

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

another job during

of additional income was

and changed back into her usual attire, Hadley

second!

Hadley halted

on her heel, spotting a young man a few paces

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

replied, stepping forward with a small key pouch in his hand, which he held out to her. “You dropped

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18 You Seem Really

nodded,

“I wonder how

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

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

“No problem at all.”

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

familiar.”

That line’s a bit

young man’s cheeks turned a

be a line!” He exclaimed, somewhat embarrassed. “Honestly, you just look really familiar.” Hadley smiled and

“Wait…”

slapping his forehead

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

It was unfortunate.

She was truly striking

worked

jolted awake by severe menstrual cramps. The pain

from sleep.

this hadn’t been

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

month had become

had learned various methods

stay away from cold beverages, and endure the

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

she had no dance performance scheduled, today held

was the anniversary of her grandmother’s