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

a welcome

glanced at the plan and laughed. “You’ve earned this break. Enjoy the downtime, you’ve

replied, smiling as she made her way to the trainees‘ class.

noon, a member of the security team approached her. “Hadley, there’s someone here to meet you.”

she exited the practice room. Surely, it couldn’t be Eric

a figure standing near

scoff escaped her

“Hadley!

astonishment, the figure spotted her just as she was turning away and quickly caught up, grasping

demanded, pulling away sharply as she scanned the area, her tone firm. “Why are you here?”

“Hadley…”

a strained smile as he gestured toward the poster on the

I bet your mom and grandma are looking

“How dare you even bring them up? Don’t you think they’d haunt you for

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

“What?”

unable to comprehend his words.

you want? Get to the point

looked around cautiously. “We shouldn’t discuss this here. Could we perhaps

weighed her options.

grievances here could lead to unwanted drama among her colleagues.

Frucellent.”

relieved.

29:3

208 Bitterly

guided her to a

you like to drink?”

her gaze on him, asking, “We didn’t come here to relax and

“Okay then.

from his glass

pushed his glasses up his nose and asked, “Do you recall our old place on Maple

Street?”

Hmm?

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

for bringing that up?”

“Here’s why…

again, Cade’s eyes appeared

“It’s your brother…”

her expression one of disbelief. “I was an only child.

said with an awkward grin. “I meant

paused, covering his eyes with

reaction was a mix of shock and confusion. Brady in trouble?

asked him, “What are you trying to say? Am I supposed

not what I…”