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.

she casually

flashed across the screen.

back in town. Could we

phone aside without responding, proceeding to remove

for home, she halted abruptly when someone blocked her path.

“Miss Pearson…”

“Oh!”

heartbeat racing, Hadley frowned slightly at the stranger who’d

embarrassment evident

man appeared to be in his thirties, neatly dressed and

me, did I startle you? That wasn’t

Hadley smiled faintly. “My mind was elsewhere… Did you have something to tell

“I do.”

“I’ve watched several of

was a fan?

“I appreciate

Clearly nervous, the man stumbled slightly over his words. “If… um… if you’re not too busy, would you… um… be interested

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Long Do You Expect Me To

across the street. He was approaching quickly, his

narrowed into

was sharp.

The man jolted in surprise, spinning around to face

“What about me?”

with a hard stare before asking Hadley bluntly, “Are you seriously thinking about having coffee with

flickered across Hadley’s face.

for Eric to embarrass the man so

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

The

“Oh, right.”

didn’t realize you were with

raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased

“Ah, sure! Bye!”

man quickly retreated,

tone.

gaze with

that concern you?”

turned and walked

“Hadley!”

arm and yanked her close, his breath

me–do you expect me to keep waiting? How much longer will you have me

losing

“I never asked

“But I must.”

leave, Eric quickly cut her off. “I’ll wait as long as you

aggrieved and said, “I’m not

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You Expect Me To

off and

you home.” Eric knew better than to expect her immediate

solely to see