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.

Hadley had taught Joy

grasping the bottle with both hands, her wide eyes darting around happily.

it smells

tip of Joy’s nose. “There’s a

face lit up. “I love

“Sure did.”

excitement. “Even though you’re busy, you still

flung her arms around Hadley, pressing a noisy kiss to her

*You’re welcome, honey.”

tugged at Hadley, she’d been busy lately and hadn’t

to change–no more wasting energy on irrelevant

she could

get you a

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

pie looked golden and mouthwatering.

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

carefully scooping up a bite and blowing

Joy squeaked.

laugh. “Yes, be careful. You’re such a smart girl, blowing on your food so you don’t burn your

“Mmm–hmm.”

the plate and took another

to her, standing up. “I’ll get you

prepared the milk and handed Joy the bottle, Hadley’s phone rang.

29.0%

Down, Or Should!

Eric’s name on the screen, she frowned.

She let the

text appeared. “I’m outside your apartment building. Can you come down, or should I just

pushed the curtain aside,

he been keeping

her with little choice

calm yet

prefer not to intrude, but I’m

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

exhaled a weary sigh, knowing she couldn’t refuse.

give me a

“I’ll wait.”

found herself stepping

Eric said the moment she

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

it was better than risking Melba bringing Joy downstairs if

pulled away from the neighborhood, and Hadley fixed Eric with a direct look. “What’s going on? If there’s something you need to say, just say

kept both hands on the wheel, a slight smile touching his

him warily. “What do you mean, taking me somewhere? My day off has nothing to do with you. Don’t