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 also hinted they

they were adhering to the

www

the

dispel all the intrigue we’ve

“Becky marveling” Hadley responded

clapped enthusiastically, his laughter filling the room. “You’re free to go now. No more

slightly

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,

Hedley nodded in

earned it just keep up

“Absolutely”

Hadley took a moment to

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

thought about finding another job during the day to supplement her

of additional income

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

second!

halted in her

spotting a young

was remarkably tall, standing over six feet, with a slim, youthful build and a

his hand,

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18 You Seem Really

nodded, grateful. “Yes,

tapped her bag, puzzled. “I

said with a friendly smile, handing

you so much,” Hadley responded, genuinely relieved. The thought of being locked

“No problem at all.”

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

familiar.”

That line’s a bit

cheeks

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

“Wait…”

depart, slapping his forehead in

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

It was unfortunate.

She was truly striking

was merely visiting or worked at the club and whether they

severe menstrual

from sleep.

hadn’t been an issue for

had deteriorated due to the stress of providing for

each month had become a harsh

had learned various methods to

skip her dance routine, stay away from cold beverages, and endure the discomfort until

and applied it beneath her clothes, hoping the warmth

had no dance performance scheduled, today held significant

the anniversary of her grandmother’s