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

Chapter 160 How Long Do You Expect Me To Wait

Upon arriving back in Srixby, Hadley dedicated the next two days to making Joy comfortable.

Joy already had a nanny waiting–Melba Hammond, a warm–hearted woman in her forties who quickly gained Joy’s trust with her gentle voice and attentive manner.

Not long after, Hadley’s phone rang, and Mathias was on the other end.

He had good news for her. “I found you a specialist. He’s one of my friends back in med school. I’ve filled him in on Joy’s situation, so you can relax–he’ll handle everything.”

Hadley felt a profound sense of relief.

“I can’t thank you enough, Dr. Williams.”

“It’s merely part of my responsibilities.”

His voice softened further, revealing genuine concern beyond professional boundaries. “Remember, if anything comes up, just call me. I’ll be here for you.”

“I really appreciate it.”

A brief silence followed before Mathias cautiously broached the sensitive subject again. “Have you reconsidered contacting Joy’s father? Haven’t spoken with him yet? Honestly, another child would be your best option. Joy’s young. A full sibling would dramatically boost her chances–over ninety percent, in fact. She will have a real chance to live a completely normal life…”

This wasn’t the first time Mathias had mentioned this possibility.

Yet each time, Hadley had firmly refused.

“I’m only offering this advice as a friend,” Mathias gently said. “It’s your safest and surest path forward.”

A thoughtful silence stretched between them before Hadley eventually answered, “I know. Thanks, Dr. Williams.”

After sorting everything out at home, Hadley knew it was time to return to the stage.

Ever since what happened in Blathe, she had to stepped in for her injured colleagues, turning her into a headline attraction with performances scheduled almost nightly.

That night, while Hadley carefully applied her makeup backstage, several crew members walked in, beaming, their arms full of enormous flower baskets. “Hadley, any idea where we should put these?”

From their playful smiles, it was obvious every single bouquet belonged to her.

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Chapter 160 How Long Do You Expect Me To Wat

Smiling lightly in surprise, Hadley motioned toward a free spot. Just place them over there. Are those all really

for me?”

Receiving flowers was a common gesture in her profession, but today it bordered on overwhelming

“All yours.” A member of the crew laughed softly. “Courtesy of Mr. Flynn. He probably had no clue what kind you prefer, so he went a bit overboard and sent one of everything”

Mr. Flynn?

Surprise flickered briefly across Hadley’s face. So, Eric had returned?

His recent message had certainly caught her eye. Now, his first move upon coming home was this extravagant display.

Yet Hadley barely acknowledged the flowers as she finished applying her makeup, soon stepping confidently onto the brightly lit stage.

once the performance ended, she casually checked her

flashed across

Could we talk tonight?”

Hadley set her phone aside without responding, proceeding to remove

halted abruptly when someone

“Miss Pearson…”

“Oh!”

the stranger who’d appeared so suddenly. “Can I

he quickly replied, embarrassment evident on

appeared to be in his thirties, neatly dressed and professional–looking, yet oddly anxious standing

me, did I startle you?

faintly. “My mind was elsewhere… Did you have something to tell me?”

“I do.”

“I’ve watched several of your shows.

was a

“I appreciate you coming to

no problem…” Clearly nervous, the man stumbled slightly over his words. “If… um… if you’re not too busy, would you… um… be interested in um… joining me for coffee?”

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Long Do You Expect Me To Wait

Eric stepping out of a car across the street. He was approaching quickly,

into a

Eric spoke, his tone was sharp. “Are you done yet?”

jolted in surprise, spinning around to

“What about me?”

you seriously thinking about having coffee

across Hadley’s

for Eric to embarrass the

accepting the invitation anyway. With an apologetic smile toward the man, she gently said, “I usually skip coffee this late, but it was thoughtful

The

“Oh, right.”

didn’t realize you were with someone. Sorry to interrupt.”

raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased by the boyfriend comment.

“Ah, sure! Bye!”

retreated,

Hadley, displeasure lingering in his tone. “Tell me honestly. If I hadn’t

his gaze with a cool,

that concern you?”

turned and walked

“Hadley!”

his frustration, Eric caught her arm and yanked her close, his

keep waiting? How much longer will you have me

losing your

no value in resisting. “I never asked

“But I must.”

cut her off. “I’ll wait as long as you wish me to.”

said, “I’m

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Do You Expect

shrugged him off and

home.” Eric knew better than to expect

come solely to