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

Chapter 568:

It was both humiliating and incredibly painful, a sting that was new to him.

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.”

had navigated the challenges of single

nodded. “It’s late. I’ll go wash up. You should get some

toward the bathroom, she called back, “I’ll stay with Joy tonight. You deserve

said, returning to the clothes she was folding, a look of relief crossing

later, Hadley stepped into Joy’s room. The little girl was sprawled across the bed like a tiny frog, head turned sideways, with

𝖜𝖔𝖗𝖉𝖘

a little snorer,” Hadley murmured, smiling fondly as she touched her daughter’s forehead.

beads of perspiration dotting her brow, Hadley stretched out on the narrow bed beside her child, though she wasn’t quite sleepy

since returning to Srixby, their life

now, she was

brave, strong darling—just a bit more time, and you’ll be going to school and making friends, just like any other

eyes, blinking against the sudden

morning, the rich aroma of breakfast

bedroom, gently carrying Joy and settling her on the

water first,

Hadley had taught Joy early