Too Late, Mr. Billionaire: You Can't Afford Me by Thedora Birnir

Chapter 208 Bitterly Cold

Throughout the night, Hadley was caught in a cycle of fitful dreams, eventually waking with her eyes puffy and her head throbbing.

When she finally managed to pry her eyes open, she was greeted by the sight of her daughter peacefully asleep in her embrace.

“Sweetheart,” she whispered, as she kissed Joy’s forehead tenderly. At that moment, her phone vibrated, pulling her attention to a new message from Eric.

“Good morning, darling I’ve headed to the office. I’ll be there to pick you up after your performance tonight.” With a dismissive roll of her eyes, Hadley turned the phone’s screen off, choosing not to respond.

Arriving early at the dance studio, Hadley was warmly welcomed with a vigorous hug from Elissa. “Hadley!” “Elissal” responded Hadley, her voice filled with joy as she hugged her back. “It’s great to see you’re doing well!” Elissa, beaming, replied, “Yes, I’m feeling much better! But there’s something you should know…” She quickly changed the subject. “We won’t be performing from this weekend on.”

Shocked, Hadley responded, “What? How come? Who told you?”

She had been worrying about the upcoming performances.

“Didn’t you check the bulletin board when you came in?” Ms. Nicolson’s call.”

Elissa questioned, a playful smirk on her face. “It was

Blanche, the troupe leader, had made the tough decision to halt the performances in the wake of the Blathe debacle, which had taken a toll on the group.

The troupe, already under great strain, saw its spirits plummet.

After much deliberation, the leadership agreed to a pause in performances, giving everyone a much–needed

break.

Ding!

Ding!

As Hadley LTE

screens

Elissa’s phones vibrated simultaneously, a notification from their workgroup flashed across their

Peering at the message, they read about the halted performances and the new tasks assigned.

Despite the break in performances, the message made it clear their responsibilities remained.

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Chapter 209 Bitterly Cold

Hadley scrutinized her new duties. She would manage the practice sessions for the younger trainees.

These trainees weren’t full–time members of the troupe, so her supervision would be brief each day

schedule was a welcome respite from her usual demands.

earned this break. Enjoy the downtime, you’ve been pushing yourself

she made her way to

noon, a member of the security team approached

as she exited the practice room. Surely, it

lobby, her eyes landed on a figure standing near the

dropped, and a quiet scoff escaped her lips before she turned to leave.

“Hadley!

astonishment, the figure spotted her just as she was turning away and quickly caught up, grasping her arm. “Hadley! Why are

demanded, pulling away sharply as she scanned the area, her tone firm.

“Hadley…”

gestured toward the poster on the bulletin board,

and grandma are looking down on you in heaven with

“How dare you even bring them

me. It’s been ages, and not once

“What?”

unable to

do you want? Get

here. Could we perhaps find

her

airing personal grievances here could

Frucellent.”

relieved. “Let’s

29:3

208 Bitterly

her to a cafe

would you like to

him, asking, “We

“Okay then.

few sips from his glass of lemon

pushed his glasses up his nose and asked, “Do

Street?”

Hmm?

processing the question. The house on Maple Street? Of course, she remembered The Maple Street house was her very first home,

for

“Here’s why…

water again, Cade’s eyes appeared watery.

“It’s your brother…”

sharply, her expression one of disbelief. “I was an only child. There’s no brother in my family.”

Cade said with an awkward grin. “I

paused, covering his eyes with a

Brady in trouble? What was

him, “What are you trying to say? Am I supposed to just sit here and watch you cry?”

what I…”