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.

ended, she casually checked her

across the

in town. Could

message, Hadley set her phone aside without responding, proceeding to remove her makeup and slip

for home, she halted abruptly when someone blocked her

“Miss Pearson…”

“Oh!”

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

quickly replied, embarrassment evident

man appeared to be in his thirties, neatly dressed and professional–looking, yet

you? That

faintly. “My mind was elsewhere… Did

“I do.”

evident admiration, the man continued, “I’ve watched several

was a fan?

Hadley replied, “I appreciate you coming to watch.”

slightly over his words. “If… um… if you’re not too busy, would you… um… be interested in um… joining

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Do

spotted Eric stepping out of a car across the street. He was approaching quickly, his expression growing darker with each step.

eyes narrowed into a scowl.

moment Eric spoke, his tone was sharp. “Are

around to face Eric with wide eyes. “You’re… you’re-”

“What about me?”

before asking Hadley bluntly, “Are you seriously thinking about having coffee with this guy? He can barely string

flickered across

to

planned on accepting the invitation anyway. With an apologetic smile toward the man, she

The

“Oh, right.”

Eric. “I–I didn’t realize you were

raised an eyebrow, clearly pleased by the boyfriend

“Ah, sure! Bye!”

quickly retreated, nearly tripping over himself.

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

with

that concern

turned and walked down the

“Hadley!”

yanked

keep waiting? How much longer

you losing your

“I never

“But I must.”

quickly cut her off. “I’ll wait

slightly aggrieved and said, “I’m not impatient,

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160 How Long Do You Expect

shrugged him off and resumed

you home.” Eric

come solely to see her.