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

grasping the bottle with both hands, her wide

smells so good.”

the tip of Joy’s nose.

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

“Sure did.”

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

flung her arms around Hadley, pressing

*You’re welcome, honey.”

at Hadley, she’d been busy lately

change–no more wasting energy

and she could devote it

a slice

lifted Joy and carried her into the dining room, where Melba had just taken

fruit pie looked golden

on Joy’s special plate,

scooping up a bite and blowing

Joy

gentle laugh. “Yes, be careful. You’re such a smart girl,

“Mmm–hmm.”

took another bite.

said to her, standing

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

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196 Can You Come Down, Or

the screen, she

She let the

Can you come down, or should I just

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

been keeping

again, leaving her with

was calm yet

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

added, “Hadley, are you coming

sigh, knowing she

give me

“I’ll wait.”

herself

said the moment

his car and gestured toward the

downstairs

a direct look. “What’s going

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

me somewhere? My day off has nothing to do with you. Don’t