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.

ritual was something Hadley

grasping the bottle with both hands,

it smells so good.”

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

Joy’s face lit up. “I love

“Sure did.”

spoke, practically bouncing with excitement. “Even though you’re busy, you still made my favorite pie. Thank

arms around Hadley, pressing a

*You’re welcome, honey.”

Hadley, she’d been busy lately and hadn’t spent

more wasting energy on

day off, and she could devote it entirely to her

get you a slice of that

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

pie looked golden and

sliced a piece and placed it on Joy’s special plate, passing her a

Mommy,” Joy said, carefully scooping up a bite and blowing on

Joy

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

“Mmm–hmm.”

tucked her face closer to the plate and took another bite. “So yummy. Nobody

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

milk and handed Joy

29.0%

196 Can You Come Down, Or Should! Just

on the screen, she

he want now? She let the call go unanswered.

immediately, a text appeared. “I’m outside your apartment building. Can you come down, or should I just come up?”

the curtain aside, confirming that

been keeping

phone rang again, leaving her with little choice but to answer.

was calm yet

else and they have a child. I’d prefer not to intrude, but I’m concerned about you–and when I’m worried,

moment’s pause, he added, “Hadley, are you coming down?”

exhaled a weary sigh, knowing she couldn’t

give me

“I’ll wait.”

later, Hadley found herself stepping

said the moment

of his car and gestured toward the passenger

Joy downstairs if this dragged on. With a sigh, she slid into

direct look.

touching his lips. “I’m taking you somewhere.

somewhere? My day off has nothing to do with you. Don’t forget–we broke up. Just last night!”