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

Chapter 70 You’re Nothing

Like That

*Grandmal

How could Eric not be actions?

In their cirdies, marriages of convenience were the norm

Eric had spent his life seeing countless marriages without love, kept together merely for family alliances.

He knew that Nyla’s favoritism toward Hadley could attract people who wanted to use her status in the Flynn family for their own benefit, not because they cared for her.

“Enough” with calm authority, Nyla asked Eric, “Who is responsible for Hadley becoming the subject of tonight’s gossip?”

Eric found himself at a loss for words.

Nyla sighed softly. “Regardless, rumors will circulate, as they always do.”

She continued, “Yet, I’m convinced that Srixby must have at least one honorable man who genuinely values Hadley and accepts her past.”

Her optimism was unwavering

“You never know,” she added.

Eric acknowledged that arguing with Nyla was futile for now

Looking around, he asked, “Where’s Hadley now?”

“She’s out mingling Nyla replied. Till look out for her, but it’s good for Hadley to meet people herself. She might just meet the right one.”

Despite Nyla’s hopeful plans, Hadley found them difficult to embrace

Nyla had envisioned Hadley minging freely with guests, but having been away from Srixby for so long, Hadley felt out of place at such lavish parties.

She grabbed some food and retreated to a secluded corner.

That evening, Hadley was also supposed to give a performance at Galant.

Eric had informed Lennon he would be taking Hadley away, and Lennon had readily consented.

Hadley stared at her plate, muttering, I can spend some extra time practicing later to burn off the calories

ute Nothing ke That

That’s it should just eat and stop worrying about gaining weight”

her

Hadley stopped

plate. “You’re looking great, Hadley, Don’t worry about

chair. “Is it okay if

Sure, go ahea?”

Denver took his seat, he noticed the subtle scent of flowers

know. He paused, his nerves making him hesitate as he mustered the courage to speak. “So, I didn’t know you were related to

I lost my own family at fifteen, Nyla welcomed me

with curiosity.

in the day, Hadley’s reputation was notorious

hadn’t met her were familiar with the

wasn’t.” Denver shook his head, explaining, “I was abroad for my education during my teens and have only

explanation seemed reasonable

nodded, then returned her

Denver cleared his throat, his discomfort apparent. He asked further,

hint of bewilderment. What exactly

too intrusive, especially since they

I shouldn’t have pried… It’s

he trying to say?

Hadley still had connections to Eric, or if any old

heat up, he struggled to articulate

natural to have questions,” Hadley reassured him with a smile.

“It’s well–known around Srixby that he can’t stand me. Honestly, he downright hates me.” This confirmed

22.9%

Nothing Like

together her situation through snippets

of this birthday

“Speaking of which-”

mentioned your recent

was it?”

“Blathe.”

What school did you attend? Perhaps we were near

soft laugh. “I was studying dance at the Chauncy Academy of Arts. I don’t suppose you were studying arts, so we probably

face. “You’re right. I attended the University of Blathe. Strange we never ran into each other, being in the

huh? That’s quite impressive!” Hadley encouraged him

“The university is prestigious, but I wouldn’t call myself an elite.” After a brief pause, Denver asked again, “Hadley, if it’s alright to ask, why do you perform at

hard to believe that someone from the well–off Flynn family would work at a

he hoped his question hadn’t

calm and explained simply, “I need to make a living, Denver.

“That makes sense.”

a subtle smile, realizing Hadley was no

got quite a few questions for me. Is it the rumors that have sparked your curiosity? Did their chatter catch your

at the