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

Chapter 196 Can You Come Down, Or Should I Just…

Hadley returned to her apartment to find Joy already tucked in for the night.

Melba, however, was still awake, seated on the sofa and folding laundry fresh from the dryer.

Noticing Hadley enter, Melba whispered, “Hey, you’re back? Joy’s asleep. Once I finish here, I’ll go sit with her.”

“Thank you for everything, Melba,” Hadley said earnestly.

It wasn’t mere courtesy; she meant

every word.

Joy’s special needs demanded extra care, even during the late hours. Though Melba was compensated, tending to Joy’s nighttime routine required more than just a paycheck–it took genuine kindness.

“You’re too sweet,” Melba replied with a gentle laugh. “I raised my daughter on my own too, so I know how tough it can be sometimes.”

Because Melba had navigated the challenges of single parenthood herself, she deeply understood Hadley’s

situation.

Hadley nodded. “It’s late. I’ll go wash up. You should get some rest to

too.

“Alright,” Melba replied, smiling. As Hadley headed toward the bathroom, she called back, “I’ll stay with Joy tonight. You deserve a break.”

“That’s wonderful,” Melba said, returning to the clothes she was folding, a look of relief crossing her face. Half an hour later, Hadley stepped into Joy’s room. The little girl was sprawled across the bed like a tiny frog. head turned sideways, with her small mouth slightly open and a gentle snore escaping her lips.

“Such a little snorer,” Hadley murmured, smiling fondly as she touched her daughter’s forehead. With the heater on, Joy’s skin felt warm beneath the light blanket, beads of perspiration dotting her brow.

Hadley stretched out on the narrow bed beside her child, though she wasn’t quite sleepy yet.

She couldn’t deny that ever since returning to Srixby, their life had been steadily improving And now, she was expecting again…

“Joy.” Hadley whispered, softly squeezing her daughter’s plump little fist. “My brave, strong darling–just a bit more time, and you’ll be going to school and making friends, just like any other kid.”

She closed her eyes, blinking against the sudden wetness gathering there.

100

Chapter 196 Can You Come Down Or Should I Just Come Up

The next morning, the rich aroma of breakfast wafted through the kitchen.

Hadley emerged from the bedroom, gently carrying Joy and settling her on the sofa before handing her a bottle.

“Drink some water first, sweetie,” she said.

morning ritual was something Hadley had taught Joy

the bottle with both hands, her wide eyes

smells so good.”

one.” Hadley smiled, tapping the tip of Joy’s nose. “There’s a fruit pie in

Joy’s face lit up. “I love those! Did you make it, Mommy?”

“Sure did.”

excitement. “Even though you’re busy,

her arms around Hadley, pressing a noisy kiss to

*You’re welcome, honey.”

tiny pang of guilt tugged at Hadley, she’d been busy lately and

more wasting energy on irrelevant people or

was her day off, and she could devote

Let’s get you a

dining room, where Melba had just taken the pie from the oven

fruit pie looked golden and

it on Joy’s special plate, passing her a small spoon.

said, carefully scooping up a bite and blowing on

Hot!” Joy

such a smart girl, blowing on your food so you don’t

“Mmm–hmm.”

to the plate and took another bite. “So yummy. Nobody cooks better than you, Mommy.”

to her, standing up. “I’ll get you some milk.”

and handed Joy the bottle,

29.0%

Down, Or

Eric’s name on the screen, she frowned.

could he want now? She let the call

your apartment building. Can

jolt. She pushed the curtain aside, confirming that Eric’s car was indeed

been keeping

with little choice

voice was calm

child. I’d prefer not to intrude, but I’m concerned

he added, “Hadley, are you coming

exhaled a weary sigh, knowing

me a

“I’ll wait.”

later, Hadley found herself stepping

Eric said the

his car and gestured toward

Melba bringing Joy downstairs if this dragged on. With

a direct look. “What’s going on? If there’s something you

hands on the wheel, a slight smile touching his lips. “I’m

taking me somewhere? My day off has nothing to do with you. Don’t forget–we broke up. Just