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

Chapter 110 A Special Birthday Gift For Denver

“Ms. Nicolson...” Hadley jumped to her feet, her nerves obvious. “That's not what | meant at all—"

“Enough.” Blanche waved dismissively. “I understand perfectly. But if you want respect from others, prove

yourself on the stage! Are you waiting until everyone applauds you before you even step up? Eric sent you here

for a purpose. When are you gonna shine if you just hide in the shadows?”

Blanche released a weary breath, her gaze steady on Hadley.

“You certainly know how to follow instructions. When | asked you to trim your waistline, you didn’t disappoint.”

glance. Blanche had an uncanny talent for accurately gauging any dancer’s physique at just a

“Channel that determination into your dancing. Answerhonestly, Hadley. Is performing your true desire?”

and precious.

Being trusted like this felt incredibly rar

Hadley responded decisively, “Absolutely!”

Blanche nodded resolutely. “Then stop hesitating! Claim your spotlight!”

“Yes, Ms. Nicolson!” Excitement bubbled through Hadley as she nodded eagerly.

“You know...” Blanche’s stern demeanor softened slightly, pointing at Hadley with a half-smile. “Life’s full of

complicated relationships. Do you seriously think you can please everyone? Just concentrate on dancing your

best and stop worrying.”

“Understood, Ms. Nicolson.”

“Good.”

With a teasing tone, Blanche added, “Dance your heart out. Remember, Lightning Studio’s tickets sell out

quickly. If you stumble up there, losing fis nothing compared to embarrassing us all!”

“Ms. Nicolson.” Hadley promised earnestly. “I won't disappoint you-I'll give it everything I've got!”

Later that evening, Denver arrived to pick up Hadley.

In recent days, Denver had beca regular part of Hadley’s routine.

According to him, their arrangement still needed to continue.

After all, there was always the chance Eric might suddenly take interest again if they stopped pretending.

Denver was always respectful, never pushing Hadley too far.

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Chapter 110 A Special Birthday Gift For Denver

Usually, he dropped her off at West Twelfth Alley. Occasionally, they shared casual meals, always splitting

expenses evenly.

Tonight, Denver stopped the car just at the corner of Mayfield Road.

“Sorry | can’t walk you htoday. | need to rush to the airport shortly,” Denver said casually.

“A business trip?”

“Yes.” Denver confirmed with a nod. “I'm heading to Prineville. I'll be away about a week.”

“Have a safe trip-and remember to rest well, especially with the tdifference.”

Hadley grabbed her backpack, preparing to leave. “I won't keep you then.”

“Hadley!”

Hearing his hesitant tone, Hadley turned with a warm smile. “What's on your mind? Just say it.”

She genuinely considered Denver one of her closest friends now.

“Um...” Denver rubbed his neck, seeming slightly shy. “When | get back, my birthday’s just around the corner,

and I'd really like it if you cto the party.”

His birthday party?

Hadley recalled the extravagant event Nyla once arranged for her own birthday. Would this party be similar?

Imagining Denver's family gathered together made her nervous.

“It won't be anything extravagant.” Reading her mind, Denver quickly assured her, smiling. “Nyla had her own

reasons for hosting something flashy and crowded for you. Mine will just be a casual get-together with a few

close friends.”

If that was the case, it was a relief.

Hadley exhaled softly, reminding herself that she truly was considered one of his friends now.

“Hadley?” Denver asked gently. “Will you come?”

“Absolutely!” Hadley agreed readily. “Just letknow the exact date so | can keep it free.”

Denver's face brightened noticeably. “That's great!”

Checking his watch, he sighed. “I really have to hurry now. I'll see you when | get back!”

“Take care!” Hadley waved, watching his car disappear.

As she walked toward her apartment, Hadley murmured softly, “A birthday means I'll need a gif But what could |

get him?”

For the first tin a long while, money wasn’t a pressing issue.

Cristian had efficiently handled her divorce settlement, leaving Hadley with a considerable sum from Eric.

Still, no matter how much she had, she wouldn't waste it carelessly.

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A Special Birthday Gift For Denver

For one, years of habit had taught her to be mindful of spending. More importantly, Joy would need financial

security in the future-this money was meant for her.

It was true that accepting help made it harder to hold onto resentment.

Thanks to the alimony, Hadley’s bitterness toward Eric had softened considerably.

Returning to the present, Hadley pondered Denver's gift again.

Considering Denver's privileged upbringing, he likely received either luxurious gifts or deeply personal gestures.

Anything lavish was clearly beyond Hadley’s budget.

Thus, something lovely and handmade would be the perfect alternative.

While heading home, Hadley settled on precisely what she wanted to give.

Rather than returning straight home, she veered toward the lively open-air market nearby.

The place buzzed nightly, full of stalls offering everything from street food to handmade trinkets.

Given the early hour, few vendors had fully opened their stands, and the street was quieter than usual.

Fortunately, Hadley swiftly located her intended item, along with fresh groceries.

Back at her apartment, she arranged everything neatly before boiling scorn on the cod.

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With an upcoming performance, she needed to watch her diet closely.

Changing swiftly into her dance attire, Hadley meticulously completed her usual routine practice, showered

briefly, and had her dinner.

After finishing, she diligently cleared and cleaned her single large table, ensuring it was spotless.

She then carefully untied the plastic bag she’d brought from the market. Inside was a smooth, pure white piece

of cotton fabric.

She'd chosen it specifically to create a handmade shirt as Denver's birthday present.

Hadley took pride in her sewing abilities.

Her grandmother, Clare Pearson, had spent her entire life sewing, using this talent to lovingly raise Hadley and

fund her dancing dreams.

Dancing lessons were costly, but Clare never complained, always providing support wholeheartedly.

Hadley had always been deeply grateful, frequently helping Clare in her spare moments, picking up sewing skills

along the way.

Although she lacked Clare's mastery, Hadley confidently handled simpler tasks like making shirts and dresses.

She gently unfolded the fabric, visualizing Denver's physique in detail.

Hadley envisioned the design, grabbed a piece of chalk, and carefully traced an outline onto the fabric.

There was a bit more than a week remaining, more than enough for careful craftsmanship.

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Hadley understood the importance of taking her time, ensuring every detail was just right.

It was a birthday gift, after all, and Denver had done so much for her-far more than she had ever properly

thanked him for.

As Hadley began cutting the fabric, bittersweet memories surfaced.

She once crafted a similar shirt for Eric, yet his lukewarm reaction had deeply hurt her.

Hadley had no clue where Eric had ended up keeping that shirt because she had never seen him wearing it.

It might be gathering dust in sforgotten storage box, or perhaps he had thrown it out long ago.

Chapter 111 Apologize