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

“Ms. Nicolson… I’m sorry.” As she turned to leave, Blanche’s voice followed her like a final note in a song not quite finished. “Hadley, I hope you never look back and

didn’t stop. She didn’t look back—she couldn’t.

behind, Hadley made her way to the TV station. Her replacement hadn’t been

dull ache bloomed in her lower back. She paused, one hand instinctively resting

a filming day; it was just a planning session

more on

closely and only speaking when someone asked her something directly related to the

new dancer

notes and quietly stepped out of the

“Hadley!”

way to the dressing room,

saw the producer. “Mr.

small nod and smiled. “Good thing you’re still here. You’re about to leave, so I’ll