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.

performance ended, she

flashed across

Could we

message, Hadley set her phone aside without responding, proceeding to remove her makeup and slip into her casual clothes.

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

“Miss Pearson…”

“Oh!”

stranger

he quickly replied, embarrassment

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

you? That wasn’t

Hadley smiled faintly. “My mind was elsewhere…

“I do.”

“I’ve watched several of your shows. You’re… truly remarkable on stage.”

he was

appreciate

if you’re not too busy, would you… um… be interested in

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Do You Expect Me

the man spoke, Hadley spotted Eric stepping out of a car across the street. He was approaching quickly, his expression

narrowed into

spoke, his tone was sharp.

spinning around to face Eric with wide

“What about me?”

Eric fixed the stranger with a hard stare before asking Hadley bluntly, “Are you seriously thinking about having coffee with this guy? He can barely

across Hadley’s

for Eric to embarrass the man so openly?

an apologetic smile toward the man, she gently

The

“Oh, right.”

“I–I didn’t realize you were with someone.

pleased

“Ah, sure! Bye!”

the man quickly retreated,

his tone. “Tell me honestly. If I hadn’t intervened, would you have

his gaze with a

that concern

turned and walked down the

“Hadley!”

caught her arm and yanked

expect me to keep waiting? How much longer will you have me wait?”

you losing your

stood her ground, seeing no value in resisting. “I never asked you to

“But I must.”

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

“I’m

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Do You Expect Me To

him off and resumed

home.” Eric knew better

had come solely to