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

Chapter 269:

Hadley immediately understood the reference.

The toy in question was a limited-edition Minnie Mouse doll, one that Joy had fallen in love with back when Hadley was still living in Blathe. At that time, affording it had been beyond Hadley’s reach. The memory of Joy’s longing face had stayed with her.

Even after relocating to Srixby, Hadley continued to save up for the doll, though it was always out of stock online. By chance, she had recently found a local store in Srixby that would have some in stock.

Her plan was to purchase the doll and bring it with her to Blathe during her upcoming visit, just before Joy’s surgery. Returning to Blathe was essential, especially now that she had saved enough money from her shifts at Galant to afford a plane ticket. Being absent for Joy’s surgery was unthinkable; her presence was crucial to calm Joy’s inevitable anxiety.

A few days later…

After a long day of dance rehearsals with Blanche and shooting a dance scene for a film, Hadley returned to her apartment late in the evening. She checked the time, calculating that she still had a moment to unwind before her task for the night.

to Evergrand Mall. This was the largest mall in Srixby, and it stayed

morning, the shop would release the limited-edition Minnie Mouse

up overnight was essential to ensure she could purchase the toy for Joy. Hadley had scouted out the situation beforehand and knew exactly which entrance

early arrival, she was pleased to find only six people in front of her. With twenty dolls available and her

set it up, and took a seat. She had packed snacks, water, and a blanket

adding a chill to the air. Hadley tightened her grip on her blanket, yet she could still feel the cold biting at

the newest

silence was

“Hadley?”

it had to be him. Srixby felt smaller by the second. Ever since their last unpleasant encounter, she had made sure to block his

averted her eyes, choosing