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

Chapter 24 Determined To Remain.

Hadley's voice trembled slightly as she spoke.

Unexpectedly presented with this chance, she just seized it, driven by necessity and a sudden impulse.

The assistant director regarded her with a measure of doubt.

Is that so?" "Definitely," Hadley answered, her nod decisive. “Dance is an art that can't be pretended, and I have the skills.” With tpressing, the assistant director checked his watch. “Okay, you have thirty minutes to master a new routine because we're on a tight schedule. Can you manage that?" "Yes." Hadley assured him. “Just runthrough the routine a couple of times, and I'll be set." "Is that true?" A hint of a smile appeared on the assistant director's face, somewhat skeptical of her claim. "Alright then, show what you can do! But remember, if you don't get it right within two tries, that's it." "Unded!" "Cwith me," he instructed, guiding Hadley toward where the other dancers were gathered.

"Heads up, everyone. She'll run through the choreography twice with you, and then I want to see how it looks," he instructed.

"Understood," responded the group of stand-in dancers.

Hadley nearly had the whole routine down after just one rehearsal.

The choreography was straightforward-a basic ensemble piece suited for a television show background, easily within Hadley's capabilities.

Observing from a distance, the assistant director was impressed after watching her performance. He applauded, exclaiming, "Excellent!" He signaled his approval with a thumbs up. "You really nailed it! Welcaboard!" "Thank you," Hadley responded gratefully.

Clapping his hands, the assistant director instructed the film crew, "Let's get her ready. Makeup and wardrobe, please. We're shooting shortly!" 0.0% *t O 19:14 о < x+ < Chapter 24 Determined To Remain.

He hurried away to brief the director on Hadley's quick integration.

Once in costume, Hadley joined the set, and the shoot commenced flawlessly.

Nonetheless, repeated errors by the principal actor necessitated several retakes of the scene As the day concluded and the temporary dancers were dismissed, the production assistant approached to handle their paychecks.

"Thanks a lot." "Appreciate it." Hadley collected her earnings and opened the envelope, delighted to see the number on her paycheck 3400, a sum greater than she had anticipated.

"After receiving your payment, you are all set to leave." They were no longer needed for the remaining scenes.

Pleased with the amount, Hadley secured the envelope carefully.

"Hey, hold up!" Just as she was about to leave, she heard someone called.

Hadley turned to see the assistant director hurrying towards her. "Yes?" Breathing heavily from his quick pace, the assistant director exclaimed, "I'm glad I caught you in time!" "What can I do for you?" Hadley asked.

"Absolutely," he replied between breaths, smiling at her.

"Your dance performance caught my eye-it was exceptional." "Thank you, sir. That's very generous of you," Hadley responded, appreciating the compliment.

"Here's what I'm thinking,” the assistant director said, taking out his phone. "Why don't we add each other on WhatsApp? Our team often needs dance doubles, and you have the right look and skills. I'll keep you in mind for any opportunities." Hadley was taken aback by the offer.

The idea of being a dance double had never crossed her mind.

Noticing Hadley's hesitation, he continued, "Dance doubles earn significantly more than what you did today. Does that sound good to you? Are you interested?" The prospect of better earnings quickly convinced Hadley.

"Thank you so much." She took out her phone. "Just a heads up, I have night shifts, so my availability is during the day." "That's fine." The assistant director assured her, syncing their Whatdetails.

20.4% ::: 19:15 O + ||| O x+ Chapter 24 Determined To Remain.

"Whenever something suitable comes up, I'll reach out. If it works with your schedule, you can caboard." "Perfect! Thanks a lot!" Unexpectedly, Hadley found herself with a resolved part-tjob situation. She couldn't shake off the feeling that Srixby did treat her well.

Srixby was where Hadley's roots were deep; born and raised, she was determined to remain. No one was going to make her abandon her hagain, as they had in the past.

With the $400 she had just made, Hadley decided to indulge in a dinner treat for herself-an omelet with crispy bacon.

Placing her meal on the table, anticipation made her mouth water.

However, just as she was about to enjoy her first bite, her phone vibrated.

Checking the display, she saw it was Eric. Hadley suppressed the urge to sigh heavily.

"Hello? What now? Are we ready to finalize the divorce?" "Do you only ever think about that?” Eric retorted, his voice dripping with sarcasm and annoyance. “Hadley, it's not just your manners that are lacking-you're truly ungrateful." Hadley was taken aback. What was prompting this reaction? "Tomorrow!" Eric's voice rose sharply, his irritation was clear. "Grandma's surgery is tomorrow!" Hadley quickly understood, though she remained unfazed by his tone.

"Oh, it's tomorrow? Understood, I'll be there early. But don't callungrateful-you never r Grandma's surgery was tomorrow until now." "Hadley!" Eric's frustration was evident.

Lately, she seemed to have a retort ready for everything he said.

Just like how he hated the days when she relied on him, he was equally frustrated with her newfound independence.

Before Eric could continue his rebuke, Hadley interjected, "Is there anything else? Because if not, I'm about to hang up..." "Wait!" Eric's frustration was audible as he clenched his teeth. "Where are you staying? I'll pick you up tomorrow morning, and we can go together." "No need," Hadley responded swiftly. "I'll make my own way there." She had turned down his offer? Eric was clearly upset. "We have to visit Grandma together. This isn't up for debate." He needed to maintain appearances, especially for Nyla's benefit.

Hadley massaged her temples. "Alright, we'll go together." 44.0% 19:15 O III O < Chapter 24 Determined To Remain.

"Where's your place?" Hadley paused for a moment.

She had no intention of letting Eric know where she lived. It wasn't about what he might think, she simply didn't want him invading her personal space.

"Let's meet at Mayfield Road," she suggested.

"Alright." Eric thought about the location after ending the call. "Mayfield Road? That rundown part of town? She's living out there now? What an inconvenience!" The following morning, Hadley set out early.

She arrived at their designated meeting point precisely at 8 a.m., only to find Eric's car already there.

"Mrs. Flynn," Sebastian said, stepping out to open the car door for her. "Please, cin." Sebastiah opened the back door, revealing Eric seated inside.

Hadley gave Sebastian a grateful smile, gently closed the back door, and explained, "Thanks, Sebastian. I tend to get carsick, so I'll sit in the front." She then opened the front passenger door and settled herself inside.

Sebastian let out an awkward laugh and climbed back behind the wheel.

From the back seat, Eric raised an eyebrow, observing Hadley as she arranged herself. His handsfeatures took on a shadowed expression.

Was she deliberately avoiding him? A smirk crept across his face.

Did she really think he minded? This arrangement suited him perfectly! The roads were clear, and they arrived at the sanatorium well before 8:30 a.m.

With Nyla's surgery scheduled for today, they made their way directly to the surgical center.

As Eric and Hadley approached the elevator together, they unexpectedly ran into Linda in the elevator bank.

"Eric," Linda called out, standing by the elevator with her assistant.

Upon seeing them, her face lit up with a friendly gesture toward Eric. "Good morning.' Then, upon noticing Hadley, Linda's smile broadened. "Hadley, good to see you too." "Morning," Eric replied with a nod.

"Aren't you supposed to be at work today? Why are you here? I've got everything under control here. You could've cafter,” he added. Linda playfully frowned. "No way, Eric. Nyla is as much my family as she is yours. My job doesn't take priority over her." 70.1% 19:15 ||| O < Eric didn't argue further but instead looked down at Linda's ankle. "How's the ankle holding up?" “Just a bit sore, but I can manage,” Linda replied nonchalantly.

As they finished their conversation, the elevator doors opened.

Eric held the doors open, gesturing for Linda and her assistant to enter first. After they stepped in, he followed, and then looked back at Hadley. Nodding toward the open elevator, said, “Con in." Recommended for you BOUND BY LOVE: rging-MY DISABLED HUSBAND Bound By Love: Marrying My Dis...

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