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

0.0%

19:13

O

<

Hiew *# *re he sensation night from the start!”

Hadley Naneve,

Wyss that mean my work for tonight is finished?”

Nowy was just for one performance, though he

IN AAN W Drepared, secined they were

www

GARE the tige enon

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

“Becky marveling” Hadley responded

his laughter filling the room. “You’re

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

you’ll need to engage more with

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

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

“Absolutely”

had exited, Hadley took a moment to

for a single performance,

about finding another job during the

additional

into her usual attire, Hadley picked up her bag and made her way

second! Hey,

Hadley halted in

heel, spotting a young man a few paces

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

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

19:13

|||

O

<

You

pouch, Hadley nodded,

tapped her bag, puzzled. “I wonder

handing

you so much,” Hadley responded, genuinely relieved. The thought of being locked out without her keys, and the

“No problem at all.”

continued to gaze at her, a hint of recognition in his eyes. “I’m

familiar.”

softly. “Really? That line’s

man’s cheeks turned

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

“Wait…”

watched her depart, slapping his

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

It was unfortunate.

She was truly striking

visiting or worked at the club and

jolted awake by severe menstrual cramps. The pain was intense, enching

from sleep.

been

a mother, her health had deteriorated due

recurring pain each month had

various methods

routine, stay away from cold beverages, and endure

from her bed, Hadley reached for a heat patch and applied

dance performance scheduled, today held

the anniversary of her grandmother’s