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

earned this break. Enjoy

made

team approached her. “Hadley, there’s someone

Hadley replied, her curiosity piqued as she exited the practice

eyes landed on a figure standing near the bulletin

heart dropped, and a quiet scoff escaped her lips before she turned

“Hadley!

away and quickly caught up,

she scanned the area, her tone firm. “Why are you

“Hadley…”

the poster on

grandma are looking down on you in heaven with

to tear up. “How dare you even bring them up? Don’t you think they’d haunt you for it?”

“I wish they would visit me. It’s been ages, and not once has your mom appeared

“What?”

to comprehend

“What do you want? Get to the

this here. Could we perhaps find a more

her options.

airing personal grievances here could lead to unwanted drama among her colleagues. “Okay,

Frucellent.”

relieved.

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208 Bitterly Cold

her to a

you like to drink?”

dismissed the offer and fixed her gaze on him, asking, “We didn’t come here to relax and catch up,

“Okay then.

sips from his glass of

thing…” He pushed his glasses up his nose and asked, “Do

Street?”

Hmm?

remembered The Maple Street house was her very first home, despite her memories of it dim

reason for

“Here’s why…

his water again, Cade’s eyes appeared watery.

“It’s your brother…”

sharply, her expression one of disbelief. “I was an only child. There’s

grin. “I meant Brady. It’s Brady

with

and confusion. Brady in trouble? What was that supposed to

both anxious and annoyed, and then asked him, “What are you trying to say? Am I supposed to just sit here and watch you

what