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

name flashed across the screen.

back in town. Could we

his message, Hadley set her phone aside without responding, proceeding

halted

“Miss Pearson…”

“Oh!”

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

embarrassment evident on his face.

in his thirties, neatly dressed and professional–looking, yet oddly anxious standing in front of

did I startle you? That wasn’t my intention.”

harm done.” Relaxing slightly, Hadley smiled faintly. “My mind was elsewhere…

“I do.”

the man continued, “I’ve watched several of your shows. You’re…

was

Hadley replied, “I appreciate you

over his words. “If… um… if you’re not too busy, would you… um…

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Do You Expect Me To Wait

spotted Eric stepping out of a car across the

eyes narrowed into a

his tone was

The man jolted in surprise, spinning around to face Eric with wide eyes. “You’re…

“What about me?”

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

across

for Eric to embarrass the man so openly?

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

The

“Oh, right.”

stranger glanced awkwardly at Eric. “I–I didn’t realize you

clearly pleased by the boyfriend comment.

“Ah, sure! Bye!”

quickly retreated, nearly tripping over

from sight, Eric turned to Hadley, displeasure lingering in his tone. “Tell me honestly. If I hadn’t intervened, would you have

met his gaze with a cool,

concern

walked

“Hadley!”

yanked her

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

losing

“I never asked

“But I must.”

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

“I’m not impatient,

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160 How Long Do You Expect

him off and

the car. I’ll drive you home.” Eric knew better than to expect her

solely to see