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

Chapter 122 There Must Be A Way

The thought that Hadley’s first instinct was to turn to him worn she was in trouble thrilled Seque

“Hadley*

Denver's gaze locked onto hers, steady and suyelding from now on, to mater what like tonigh you

callfirst.*

His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument 1 don’t care where | am or what I’m doing | drop everything

and cto you.”

Hadley froze, caught off guard.

A quiet warmth spread through her chest, foreign yet undeniably real to be pronized like this to be someone's

first call-was a feeling she never thought she'd experience

Before tonight, she wouldn't have even dared to hope.

But Denver... he made her feel as though, in his world, she was what mattered most.

“It’s late, | should go. Get srest.”

Not wanting to linger, Denver gave a small wave

“Goodnight,” Hadley murmured, her voice barely above a whisper as she gently shut the door behind him.

A few moments later, her phone buzzed.

It was a message from Denver. “Keep your wound dry. Don’t forget to take your medicine.”

A sudden sting pricked Hadley’s nose, tears welling up before she could stop them

After letting Hadley go, Eric's expression darkened as he signaled for Phillips

“Mr. Flynn, what can | do for you?” Phillips asked, immediately noticing the storm brewing in Eric’s narrowed

gaze.

Eric's tone was cold, clipped. “Handle Wayne Walters.”

Phillips hesitated for a beat, his brow furrowing Handle? To what extent, sir?” he asked carefully.

He was well aware that East Entertainment Media had been pouring money into a new show where Wayne the

producer-an investment that wasn’t small

“Shut down the new show?” Phillips added carefully.

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Chapter 199 Then there

A slow, two sharp emir curved on Eric's lips

“The isn’t just about shutting down one project,” he said, his voice carrying an edge of finality. | don’t want to

see him anywhere in this industry again

Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt

Realization settled in tric wen’t just halting the show he was obliterating Wayne's career entirely.

Phillips nodded, understanding the weight of the order. “Underwood, Mr. Flym

Tir had been there tonight and seen what happened with Hadley,

Was this Eric's way of standing up for her?

But wasn't this excretive?

Excessive?

If anything. Eric thought he was being merciful. Wayne had dared to lay a hand on Hadley Blacklisting him was

the least he deserved.

Eric exhaled sharply, forcing himself to push past the frustration gnawing at him.

Hadley should have stayed with Lightning.

How the hell had she ended up expelled?

She had barely set foot in the entertainment industry, and already, trouble had found her. Harassment.

Scandals. Uncertainty. He couldn’t help but worry.

Sending her back to the troupe was the best solution. The safest.

But Denver had already tried pulling strings through Barrie's mother, and that had led nowhere.

So what other options were left?

“Phillips,” he said, voice low and measured. “What do you know about Blanche Nicolson? Any weaknesses?”

Phillips blinked, momentarily caught off guard. “I’m not sure, Mr. Flynn,” he replied. “But... everyone has a

weak spot somewhere.”

Eric's gaze sharpened. “Then find hers. | want everything on Blanche.”

There was no way she was as untouchable as she seemed.

There had to be a way to get Hadley back where she belonged.

“Understood, Mr. Flynn,” Phillips said with a curt nod.

The next day, Hadley stepped onto the set with a nervous heart, her stomach twisted in knots.

After last night's disaster, she had no idea how to face Elvin or Adonis. Had she ruined everything?

“Oh, Hadley!”

Elvin’s voice rang out startling her His tone was light casual-almost too casual. He waved her over as if

< Chapter 122 There Must Be A Way

nothing had happened

“Con,” he said with a grin. “Mr. Faulkner is free now. He wants to see you

Hadley hesitated. “O-Okay.”

still confused, she followed him, bracing herself for whatever was coming next.

“Hadley!”

When they entered the room, yet another surprise awaited her.

Adonis greeted her with an unusual warmth, his expression free of any irritation or tension. “You're here. Sit

down. Let's talk.”

Hadley blinked. Was she imagining things? Why was Adonis being so welcoming? Shefted a hand in polite

refusal. “I'm fine standing, Mr. Faulkner. Did you need something?”

Adonis studied her, and then frowned slightly. “You seem on edge. Is this about last night? I'm sorry | couldn't

do much to help...”

“No, that’s not it,” Hadley answered quickly, shaking her head. “I know you and Mr. Webster were in a difficult

position.”

Adonis exhaled, relief flashing across his face. “I'm glad you understand.”

His smile returned, though this time, it carried a hint of expectation. “Actually, | wanted to ask you for a favor.

Could you please put in a good word for us with Mr. Flynn?”

What?

Her mind blanked.

“What are you talking about?” she asked, stunned.

“Um...”

Adonis looked even more surprised than she did. He gave a light chuckle, as though she were joking. “Con,

Hadley. That's not fair of you. Sure, Mr. Flynn is backing you now, but don’t forget-we were the ones who

introduced you to this production.”

Hadley’s confusion only deepened. Since when was Eric backing her? And, why wasn’t she aware of this

interesting fact?

“I'm sorry...” She let out a small, helpless laugh. “You've got it all wrong. Mr. Flynn and | aren't... whatever it is

you think.”

“Not what we think?”

Adonis and Elvin exchanged a knowing glance before Adonis leaned in slightly, amusement flickering in his eyes.

“You think we'd gossip, Hadley?” he said smoothly. “Relax, we wouldn't dare whisper a word behind Mr. Flynn's

back.”

Hadley parted her lips to protest, but before she could get a word out, Elvin cut in.

“There's no need to keep it from us, Hadley,” he said with a smirk. “Letgive you sinside news-Wayne

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weeted a duty

w the work or out of Hadley’s south before she could stop it ste stomach barched at the sudden

He wont was though stood on We Fric behind the

For an expect Why rekke tyre? be sad, as if the answer was obvious

Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏm

Apk we there last zaght and to be fer, he is the only one with that kind of power

diy etilene bomedang do chais fet off fivin picked up on her hesitation and tilted his head “Want he

‘t you?

#xkxxgnyook for ad, will reeling

five us dude, if the situation had just turned amusing “Then | guess he wanted to surprise you.”

#stly?

Hadley & brows knotted together, her mind whirling with questions. Had Eric really done this? For her?

#dia’s poule

After all, he had never gone out of his way for her before-not even back when they were married.

“Wadley, laten.” Adonis voice cut through her spiraling thoughts.

“Now that Wayne's out, | have a proposition,” he said, pausing just long enough for the tension to settle. “1 want

to move you up to the second female lead.”

Before last night, such an idea wouldn't have even crossed his mind. But things had shifted.

With East Entertainment Media running the show-and Eric apparently taking an interest in Hadley-this was an

opportunity Adonis wasn’t about to pass up.

Promoting her wasn’t just about recognizing her talent It was also a strategic move. A way to solidify ties with

Hadley strugaded to find her voice. “The second female lead? Me?”

The words felt foreign in her mouth. She had braced herself for bad news-for being sidelined completely. And

instead... this?

“I don’t know...” she said, hesitant. “What if I'm not ready?”

“There's no what if,” Eivin said smoothly. “Sure, you might be new to this, but do you think Mr. Faulkner is here

just for show? A great director knows how to bring out the best in his actors.”

“Yes, that’s right.” Adonis nodded, his expression unwavering “I believe in you, Hadley. You just need to believe

in yourself too.”

She hesitated.

“You're worried about what happened last night will repeat itself, aren’t you?” Adonis guessed, studying her.

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Chapter 122 There Must Be A Way

Before she could deny it, he waved a hand dismissively. “Torget it. That won't happen again. Not when Mr

Flynn is in your corner.”

“Exactly,” Elvin chimed in, flashing her a knowing grin. “With him backing you, no one’s going to risk stepping

out of line. Just focus on your role.”