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

Chapter 72 Do You Find Him Agreeable

Upon hearing that, Hadley became silent.

With a tone of displeasure, Colleen exclaimed, “I can’t believe you’d keep something this important from me! If

I hadn’t pushed Mathias, would you have ever told me?”

“I…” Hadley stumbled over her words, feeling remorseful. “I… I’m sorry. It wasn’t my intention to keep it from you.”

“But you did!”

Colleen understood Hadley all too well.

Hadley definitely didn’t have the money, yet she still refrained from asking for help.

Frustrated, Colleen asked, “Don’t you see me as a friend?”

“That’s not the case,” Hadley responded hastily. “It’s exactly because you are my friend that I find it hard to ask for help.”

Colleen had been so generous already. Hadley didn’t want to take advantage of their friendship and keep burdening Colleen. The thought of continually asking for more was simply unbearable.

“Colleen, I’m already in your debt more than I can say.”

“Don’t be foolish… It’s for Joy. How could I not help?” Colleen let out a sigh. “The surgery will cost half a million. If not from me, where would you get that kind of money?”

Tears began to well up in Hadley’s eyes once more as they rolled down her cheeks. “Colleen… how can I ever repay you?”

“There’s no hurry,” Colleen responded with a laugh, light and carefree as always. “You’ll have plenty of time to pay me back.”

She added, “I made this call to ease your mind about the money for the surgery. I’ve taken care of it.”

Overcome with emotion, Hadley could only whisper in a raspy voice, “Colleen… thank you.”

Some debts were too deep to be repaid with mere words.

Colleen’s voice softened as she too became emotional. “Enough of this now. I’ve said what I needed to say. It’s late over there–go get some rest.”

“Okay.”

“Just one more thing,” Colleen added tenderly. “Hadley, happy birthday.”

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“Thank you.”

conversation ended, tears continued to cascade down

earlier paled in comparison to the

her closest friend.

mix of relief and guilt. Joy’s surgery

day, Hadley

and saw no sign of Eric, which brought a sigh of relief

behind that kiss–whether they stemmed from genuine emotion or mere impulse. Either way, she preferred not to encounter him again.

breakfast, she inquired of the

Nyla gone out today?”

for a medical checkup just a little while

A checkup?

clouded for a moment.

and felt it was time to leave. Yet, with Nyla absent, departing without bidding farewell seemed

the morning, dance practice at Galant

to spend another night

her meal, Hadley cleaned up and left

her performance at Galant, fatigue had fully

not appeared all day.

had wiped off her makeup and changed clothes,

stood Denver beside a sleek silver Pagani, his suit crisp, his

he

off work?

but I’ll just grab a

often take a

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You

gave a nod. “Yes, I can handle it-”

his car. “It’s late, and now that I’ve seen you, I

and I’m a gentleman myself. You’re safe with me;

playful words, Hadley finally gave in. “Okay, I

absolutely no trouble–happy to do it.”

the car, Denver drove toward Flynn

catch it earlier during my performance–were you out

replied, shaking his head. “I was accompanying some colleagues from work.” Eager to clarify, he explained, “It was just a networking event. Srixby has its quirks–business often unfolds in recreational settings. Being freshly back in town, I’m still

Hadley responded, smiling understandingly.

a hunch. “Perhaps it’s simply a matter of different cultural norms.

and they chatted comfortably

arrival at Flynn Mansion, Denver exited the car first and held the passenger door open for Hadley. “Here we are,” he said.

you,” Hadley said as

late, so I’ll

then…” Hadley waved. “I’ll go in then. Thanks again for the