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

Chapter 116

116 Dismissal From The Position

Blanche’s smile disappeared in an instant, replaced by a sharp, simmering anger.

“Ever since I took charge of this studio, no one has dared to break our rules. Yet here you are, the first to take on outside work without permission!”

“Ms Nicolson.”

Hadley’s face lost all color, but she had to explain herself.

“I did take an outside job, but it was before 1 became part of the troupe. I already had a contract with that production team and…”

“And what of it?” Blanche snapped.

Hadley’s words carried no weight.

Blanche had a reputation for being strict. She never made exceptions once the rules were broken.

“You were still working on that outside project while you were here with us, weren’t you?”

Hadley parted her lips, but nothing came out. It was the truth, and there was no way to refute it.

“How reckless!”

Blanche shut her eyes. Frustration and disappointment flickered across her face.

Rules were rules.

“No matter how much regret weighed on her, she couldn’t allow Hadley to stay.

Blanche lifted a hand, her voice sharp and unwavering. “Change out of your practice clothes and leave. Now.” Hadley’s head snapped up, her eyes already glistening with tears. “Ms. Nicolson, I…”

“There’s nothing more to say.” Blanche lifted a hand, silencing her. “I brought you in, but once you chose to break the rules yourself, I had no way to protect you. If I did, how could I expect to lead this troupe?”

She let out a slow sigh and gave Hadley a hard look. “What a waste! You’re the one throwing away your own future.”

After a pause, something unreadable flickered across her face. “But maybe this isn’t the worst outcome. With your talent, you might be better off in entertainment. I’m sure you’ll do well there.”

“No, Ms. Nicolson…”

Hadley shook her head, her voice steady. Acting had never been her dream.

13:39

O

Chapter 116 Dismissal From The Position

“Hadley, just leave.”

Blanche’s tone was final. “With Eric backing you, you’ll have no trouble finding success in the industry. Leaving this place isn’t the end of the world.”

“Go now. Don’t make this harder than it needs to

was no turning back.

She could only blame herself

time, she wasn’t sure she would have done

“Ms. Nicolson.”

her as Hadley lowered

“Just go.”

turned away, refusing to look

if the entire world had caved in around her. How had things unraveled

was supposed to take center stage as the lead dancer. She hadn’t even

it was over.

Everything was gone.

made her way back to the locker room, she

of dancers huddled together, eyes darting between their phones and Hadley. They weren’t even trying

to hide it.

phone vibrated. Her breath caught as she looked at

Blanche had made an announcement.

was caught working as a stand–in for a production crew without authorization. This has been confirmed. Effective immediately, she is dismissed from her

as tears stung her eyes.

around her phone, her jaw locking.

cut through the tension.

Looks like our star recruit

“Enough,” someone muttered.

clearly enjoying herself. “Working behind Lightning’s back? That takes nerve! Oh, and Hadley, aren’t you supposed to be talented? Didn’t someone pull strings to get you

13:39

From

mean Eric?

mattered. She had no leverage anymore. If she ever had any worth in Eric’s eyes, she had lost

lighthearted laugh, casually tossing her hair

them for you once, but do you really think she’ll do it

before turning on

on, ladies! Practice isn’t going

Alita sauntered off, Hadley couldn’t shake the uneasy feeling

had Blanche found out about her side job with the film production

settled in her head. Not that it mattered now. Even if she uncovered the truth, what difference would it make? This time, she had

left her apartment that day, sinking into

evening, her

ever. “Hadley, I’m outside the

bed, her tone flat with exhaustion. “I’m not there.”

off guard. “You already left? Did

knew how hard she had been working. In just a few days, she

“Yeah,” she muttered.

its usual spark. “Listen, if that’s all, I’m hanging up.”

reply,

at his

sounded distant, almost

feeling crept in, and before he could think twice, he turned