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.

morning ritual was something Hadley

with both

it smells so

tip of Joy’s nose. “There’s

face lit up. “I love those! Did

“Sure did.”

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

pressing a noisy

*You’re welcome, honey.”

tiny pang of guilt tugged at Hadley, she’d been busy lately and hadn’t spent enough time

that was going to change–no more wasting energy on irrelevant

off, and she could devote it entirely to her

you a

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

looked golden

and placed it on Joy’s special plate,

Mommy,” Joy said, carefully scooping up a

Joy

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

“Mmm–hmm.”

took another bite. “So yummy. Nobody cooks better

to her, standing up. “I’ll get you

milk and handed

29.0%

Come Down, Or Should!

Eric’s name on the

want now? She let the call go

your apartment building. Can you come down, or should

She pushed the curtain aside, confirming that

he been

phone rang again, leaving her with little choice but

calm

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

he added, “Hadley, are you coming down?”

weary sigh,

give me a minute.”

“I’ll wait.”

Hadley found herself stepping outside

Eric said the moment

car and gestured toward the passenger

bringing Joy downstairs if

the neighborhood, and Hadley fixed Eric with a direct look. “What’s going on? If there’s

kept both hands on the wheel, a slight smile touching his lips. “I’m taking you somewhere. You’re off

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