Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You Can't Afford Me by Thedora Birnir

Chapter 30 Bright Smile

Following her electrifying jazz performance, Hadley quickly rose to fame.

Under Lennon’s astute marketing stunts, she had become Galant’s star attraction.

Guests were willing to pay big money just to see her. But Lennon understood the power of rarity and refused

every offer.

He kept even Hadley’s identity under wraps.

To the patrons, she was only known simply as Miss S, which only heightened the intrigue.

Tonight, the buzz was that Miss S would perform, drawing an unprecedented crowd to the nightclub. The evening’s takings were through the roof, multiple times higher than normal.

“There she goes, on stage!”

Everyone’s attention shifted to the stage.

Abruptly, darkness enveloped the stage.

The murmurs halted as anticipation built,

Then, a single spotlight illuminated, revealing Hadley in a flowing red outfit at center stage. As the music swelled, she moved gracefully, captivating everyone.

Hadley executed a graceful twirl and leapt up, casting a playful look at the audience.

Yet her identity remained concealed, her face obscured by a delicate veil, adding to her allure.

“Bravo!”

“Amazing!”

The crowd was initially taken aback by her dramatic entrance, but then burst into applause that swelled like an

ocean wave.

Hadley’s performance continued seamlessly.

Her movements were fluid, as if she were a breeze weaving through trees, mesmerizing and effortless.

Wires attached to her allowed her to move in sync with the melody, captivating everyone present.

“She’s incredible!” Barrie exclaimed, visibly impressed.

“Absolutely.” Marshall agreed. “This new dancer at Galant really stands out from the rest.”

The performance itself was a feast for the eyes.

Eric watched, his expression a mix of admiration and slight unease, but he remained silent.

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Denver couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. “She’s obviously skilled. A real professional, unlike those amateurs we

often see here.”

“Is that so?” Marshall chuckled, glancing at his cousin. “Sounds like someone has a bit of a crush.”

“L… I…”

fumbled for words, his face turning

were

“Wow!”

erupted

gracefully, ribbons encircling her as if she were an angel descending from

“Where’s she going?”

“Who knows!”

“Over here, please!”

audience stretched out their hands, eager to graze the fabric of

the stage, where Eric and his group were

watching as the

she caught

her, though she masked it quickly and stuck with the choreography. With a deft movement, she swept her

reflexively reached out to

withdrew her sleeve before his

the faint scent left behind

Hadley was sure Eric wouldn’t recognize her. She flashed a brief

of the

the lucky

that booth over there!”

VIP got

wasn’t it

stage lights suddenly

lights flickered back on,

motionless, deep in thought.

as though he had

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30 Bright Smile

Eric’s shoulder. “Come back to us,

at

his ways. He’s buying gifts for

dancer. I’m really

retorted, his voice a

why his heart had skipped a beat when S flicked her sleeve toward him, or why he had instinctively held his breath.

with the dancer?

just a single dance.

the crowd shouted for more, Hadley felt a bit bashful.

dismissed the calls for an encore. “Look, Hadley, one performance per night is enough.

in those few minutes? Remember that. With the Toasting Ceremony coming

the betting pool will

about her share of the earnings

primary reason for dancing at the nightclub.

to pack up and

“Alright, Mr. Lewis.”

Lennon’s office, Hadley headed towards the dressing

approached her in the staff hallway, leading her

him a polite nod and a small smile.

“You…”

man halted, his eyes fixed on Hadley as he swallowed nervously. “Are you Miss

“You don’t

to jog her memory. “Last time, you dropped your key pouch. I was the one who found it and gave it back to you. Do you remember

dawned on Hadley. “Oh… Yes, that

wasn’t perfect, she remembered

you here in the staff area?”

uneasy as he scratched the back of his head. “I’m not

for

“Right.”