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

Chapter 836:

She had always known about Hadley’s relationship with Eric, but this—this was different. Blanche had invested in her, mentored her, nurtured her like a rising star. To see that promise dimmed so suddenly felt like a blow.

“Have you really thought this through?” Blanche asked finally, her tone quieter but edged with disbelief. “You’ve decided to get married, settle down… and stop dancing?”

Hadley could only nod, her voice caught in her throat.

Blanche closed her eyes briefly, then exhaled. There was a trace of sorrow in her expression. “Alright. I understand.”

This was Hadley’s life, her decision. And she’d chosen her child over her career. Blanche couldn’t force her to stay, couldn’t fight a path Hadley had already committed to.

She turned her back to Hadley and waved her hand dismissively. “You can go.”

“Ms. Nicolson…” Guilt swept over Hadley. She knew she was disappointing the one person who had believed in her from the beginning. The weight of it stung deeply.

feet, her mentor’s

Blanche’s voice followed her like

back—she couldn’t. For Joy’s

the TV station. Her replacement hadn’t been arranged yet, so

the dressing room, a dull ache bloomed in her lower back. She paused, one hand instinctively resting against it. Was this from the

precious child had made Hadley more cautious than ever. Today wasn’t a filming day; it was just a planning session to go

out more on

sat in the corner, listening closely and only speaking when someone asked her something

the new dancer

handed over her notes and quietly stepped out of the

“Hadley!”

the dressing room, someone

turned around and saw the

smiled. “Good thing you’re still here. You’re about to