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?”

was just for one performance, though he

IN AAN W Drepared, secined they were adhering to the

www

the

the intrigue we’ve built. We

“Becky marveling” Hadley responded

enthusiastically, his laughter filling the room.

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

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

W.” Hedley nodded in agreement.

need for thanks, You’ve earned it

“Absolutely”

took a moment to

for a

during the day to supplement

of additional

back into her usual attire, Hadley picked up her bag and

second! Hey,

Hadley halted in

her heel, spotting a young man

a face that

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

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18 You Seem Really

nodded, grateful.

bag, puzzled. “I wonder how it fell

he said with a friendly smile, handing her the

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

“No problem at all.”

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

familiar.”

softly. “Really? That line’s a bit retro,

man’s cheeks

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

“Wait…”

watched her depart, slapping his forehead

Eric

It was unfortunate.

She was truly striking

pondered whether she was merely visiting or worked at the club and

stirred before dawn, jolted awake by severe menstrual cramps. The pain

from sleep.

been an issue for

mother, her health had deteriorated due

each month had become a

various methods to manage

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

and applied it beneath her clothes, hoping the warmth would soothe the

had no dance performance scheduled,

anniversary of her grandmother’s