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?”

for one performance,

Drepared, secined they were adhering to the

www

WY GARE the tige enon

you’d dispel all the intrigue

“Becky marveling” Hadley responded

the room. “You’re free to

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

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. “Thanks,

You’ve earned it just keep up the great

“Absolutely”

had exited, Hadley took a moment to remove

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

another job during the day to supplement

additional income

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

a second! Hey,

Hadley halted in her

pivoted on her heel, spotting a

build and a face that radiated charisma. Self–consciously,

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,

puzzled. “I wonder how it fell

smile, handing her the keys. “Make sure it

of being locked

“No problem at all.”

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

familiar.”

briefly before chuckling softly. “Really? That line’s a bit retro, don’t

cheeks turned a shade

look really familiar.” Hadley smiled and held up her key pouch. “Thanks for this. Bye,” she said, and quickly turned

“Wait…”

watched her depart, slapping his

even say that? I just made fun of Eric for being old–school, and

It was unfortunate.

She was truly striking

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

before dawn, jolted awake by severe

from sleep.

hadn’t been an issue for

her health had deteriorated due to the

each month had

had learned various methods to

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

no dance performance scheduled, today

the anniversary of