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

both

it smells so

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

love those! Did

“Sure did.”

busy, you still made my

flung her arms around Hadley, pressing

*You’re welcome, honey.”

been busy lately and

to change–no more wasting energy on

could devote it entirely to

you a slice of

her into the dining room, where Melba had just taken

pie looked golden and

special plate, passing her

up a bite and blowing on it

Hot!” Joy

such a smart girl,

“Mmm–hmm.”

face closer to the plate and took another

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

milk and handed

29.0%

Can You Come Down, Or Should! Just Come Up

the screen,

he want now? She let

apartment building. Can you come down,

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

been keeping

with little choice but to

calm yet

with someone else and they have a child. I’d prefer not to intrude, but I’m concerned

pause, he added,

weary sigh, knowing

me a

“I’ll wait.”

later, Hadley found herself stepping outside to meet

said the moment she

and gestured toward the passenger seat. “Get in.”

was better than risking Melba bringing Joy downstairs if this

Hadley fixed Eric with a direct look. “What’s going on? If

wheel, a slight smile touching his lips. “I’m taking you somewhere. You’re off work

“What do you mean, taking me somewhere? My day off has nothing to do