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

Chapter 149 Get Hadley

Out

“Mommy!”

In the hospital room, a sparkle lit up Joy's eyes,

She gripped the freshly unwrapped gift-a rare edition plush toy-with delight.

“Thank you, Mommy! | absolutely adore it!”

“Are you happy?” Hadley stroked her daughter's hair with affection.

“Yes! am!”

Joy's expression radiated pure joy, and Hadley’s heart swelled with happiness. She managed to keep her tears at

bay, choosing instead to beam back at her daughter.

“If Joy is happy, Mommy is happy too.”

Colleen approached with a glass of water. “Take a drink. You must cstraight from the airport, right?”

Aware of Hadley’s arrival, she had hurried over from her department.

Colleen, an intern doctor at this hospital and a PhD candidate at the University of Blathe’s medical school, took

special care of Joy.

This allowed Hadley to travel back to Srixby without concern in the first place.

“Colleen, your help during this thas been immense.”

Hadley expressed her gratitude, even though she felt mere words were never enough.

“Mm,” Colleen responded with a raised eyebrow and a reassuring smile. “I'll accept your thanks, but don't let it

burden you.”

“Alright.”

Hadley chuckled softly.

That was typical of Colleen; she had a way of helping others without ever making them feel beholden.

“Hadley.”

76.

Taking Hadley’s hand, Colleen looked over at Joy, who was absorbed in her play, and spoke in a hushe “Mathias

isn’t around today, so | thought | should tell you-the surgery is set for the next few days. He'll confirm the details

with you shortly.”

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Chapter 145 Get Hadley Out

Surprised, Hadley quickly covered her mouth, tears springing to her eyes

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“You're relieved, right?”

Understanding Hadley’s reaction perfectly, Colleen continued, “Joy’s condition isn't life-threatening, but the

surgery could vastly improve her quality of life. She's got a bright future ahead of her!”

“Absolutely,” Hadley’s eyes welled up, she was overwhelmed with emotion and managed only a series of nods

in response,

That night, Hadley remained by Joy's side until the little girl drifted off to sleep, and then she slipped out quietly,

The day before the performance, Eric was released from the hospital.

Phillips inquired, “Mr. Flynn, do you wantto book your flight for tonight or tomorrow?”

“Why would we fly?” Eric paused, his hand on his shirt.

Phillips looked puzzled. “Aren't we heading back to Srixby?”

“Oh,” Eric shut his eyes momentarily, showing a hint of annoyance. “Apologies, | forgot to mention-delay our

return by two days.”

Phillips asked, “But why the delay?”

Eric gave a lazy smile. “After spending most of my visit to Blathe in a hospital bed, don’t you think | deserve a

little leisure time?”

Phillips was taken aback.

Wasn't their routine packed with business trips? This was another such trip, right?

Eric had never expressed a desire for leisure before.

“Tomorrow, let's catch a performance.”

A performance?

“Okay,” Phillips replied, though he was visibly puzzled. “What are we seeing?”

“A modern dance show.”

Phillips stopped in his tracks.

He should have guessed!

The following evening. Eric dressed up and left the hotel with Phillips. They were headed to the theater owned by

Red Choreography- the stroupe that had once targeted Hadley when she was with them.

Now, Hadley had managed to reverse her fortunes.

Their tickets were scanned, and they made their way into the hall.

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Chapter 149 Get Hadley Out

As the scheduled start of the performance neared, the audience filled the seats.

Then, an abrupt loud noise echoed from backstage.

“Ah!”

“What was that?”

The crowd was instantly gripped by panic, causing uproar throughout the theater.

In the VIP section, Eric shot to his feet, having heard the disturbance.

“Mr. Flynn...” Phillips looked concerned. “That sounded like a gunshot.”

Indeed it was!

A look of alarm crossed Eric's face. The noise had originated from backstage, precisely where Hadley should be.

Without hesitation, he dashed forward.

“Mr. Flynn!”

Phillips was right on his heels.

Within moments, the theater was in turmoil, with scared patrons scrambling for the exits.

“Stay calm, everyone, please stay calm!”

Security guards struggled to maintain order as pandemonium reigned suprin the theater.

A stampede was underway, panic consuming the crowd.

Yet, Eric fought his way against the tide of fleeing people.

“Mr. Flynn!” Phillips caught his arm. “What are you doing?”

“Isn't it obvious?” Eric responded tersely, his eyes determined. “Hadley’s still inside!”

He attempted to move forward.

“Mr. Flynn!” Phillips held him back urgently. “It’s too dangerous! You can’t just charge in there without knowing

what's going on backstage!”

Chaos like this was uncommon but not unheard of in Blathe.

“And?” Eric arched an eyebrow, his resolve unwavering.

He shrugged off Phillips's grip. “That's precisely why | must go!”

“Mr. Flynn...”

“Listen carefully!” Eric interjected sharply, laying down his plan. “Stay outside and be ready to help! I'll get

Hadley out myself!”

“Mr. Flynn!”

Phillips tried to argue but Eric had already dashed ahead, disappearing into the crowd.

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With a tight clench of his teeth, Phillips realized there was no stopping Eric, he had to trust Eric’s decision and do

whatever he could to help.

Meanwhile, Eric faced significant challenges moving towards the backstage area.

The outgoing flow of people was as challenging as moving against a strong current.

“Please, letthrough!”

“You're headed the wrong way! It’s dangerous inside!”

“Excuse me, | really need to go in!”

Navigating through the frantic crowd, Eric was drenched in sweat.

Bang!

Then another loud blast echoed.

“Nobody moves!”

“Stop! Can you hear me?”

Yet, the crowd's panic was uncontainable.

Shortly after, two more gunshots rang out.

The situation escalated quickly.

Eric glanced towards the entrance, now heavily guarded. He furrowed his brow, concerned whether Phillips had

safely made it out.

Eric battled his way through the surging crowd, intent on making it inside.

Once inside, he navigated to a quieter side door and stepped through. The commotion from the hall dimmed,

and the distinct sound of footsteps echoed clearly.

Eric held his breath and swiftly ducked behind a nearby door, pressing against the wall to conceal himself while

scanning his surroundings vigilantly.

Approaching footsteps revealed themselves as theater security, calm and collected.

Why were they not panicking?

Possibilities flashed through Eric’s mind: either they were behind the chaos, or they had been compromised.

A slight grin touched Eric's lips as he pieced together his next move.

After the footsteps receded and the security moved on, he cautiously stepped out, noting the sign above him.

His plan was taking shape.

Backstage in the dressing room, dancers from both Lightning Dance Stuand Red Choreography were

effectively held hostage.

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Five armed rioters maintained a strict silence with their imposing presence and cold firearms

Hadley sat on the floor with her colleagues, clutching her head, frozen in fear.

“You!” Then, abruptly, a rioter pointed at her and shouted, “You! Cout here!