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.

was something Hadley had taught Joy early

bottle with both hands, her wide eyes darting

it smells so

a keen nose, little one.” Hadley smiled, tapping the tip of

Joy’s face lit up. “I love those! Did

“Sure did.”

“Even though you’re busy, you still made my

Hadley, pressing a noisy kiss

*You’re welcome, honey.”

been busy lately

change–no more wasting

and she could devote

get you a slice of that pie.”

Joy and carried her into the dining room, where Melba had just taken the pie from the oven

fruit pie looked golden and mouthwatering.

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

a bite

Hot!” Joy

careful. You’re such a smart girl, blowing

“Mmm–hmm.”

the plate and took another bite.

Hadley said to her, standing

handed

29.0%

Come Down, Or Should!

the screen, she

he want now? She

outside your apartment building. Can you

felt her heart jolt. She pushed the curtain aside, confirming that Eric’s car

been

again, leaving her with little choice but

voice was calm

share the apartment with someone else and they have a child. I’d prefer not to intrude, but

moment’s pause, he added, “Hadley, are

a weary sigh, knowing she couldn’t refuse.

give me

“I’ll wait.”

Hadley found herself stepping outside to meet

said the

of his car and gestured toward the passenger seat. “Get in.”

clearly reluctant, but it was better than risking Melba bringing Joy downstairs if this dragged on. With a sigh, she slid into the car.

neighborhood, and Hadley fixed Eric with a direct look.

smile touching his lips. “I’m taking

“What do you mean, taking me somewhere? My day off has