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

Chapter 127 He's Not The

Only One Who's Worried...

Linda didn’t react, keeping her expression composed, as if she had seen nothing unusual.

“I managed to get back earlier today,” she said smoothly. “How about a walk in the garden?”

Ernest met her gaze and gave a small nod.

Though he still relied on a wheelchair, his condition had improved enough that he could stand with assistance.

Taking a few steps was no longer an impossible task-and he welcomed the challenge.

“Let's go.”

Without hesitation, Linda stepped behind him, pushing the wheelchair toward the garden.

Later, under the glow of the evening lights, Ernest practiced standing with his walker, his movements steady

but cautious.

Nearby, a servant approached Linda, keeping their voice low. “Miss Harris, the trash has been cleared.”

Linda barely shifted, her gaze still on Ernest as she responded, “Anything unusual?”

The servant hesitated for a fraction of a second before extending something toward her. “Please have a look at

this.”

Turning slightly, Linda reached out and accepted the object. A small, charred fragment-roughly the size of two

knuckles.

She studied it, her fingers brushing over the burned edges. Her brows furrowed.

The fragment in Linda’s hand was small, but telling. A charred corner of a photograph. Though most of it had

been lost to the flames, a faint outline remained-what seemed to be a head. The hairstyle suggested it belonged

to a girl.

So this was what Ernest was so desperate to destroy....

But why? And who was she?

She masked her thoughts with a calm nod. “That's all for now. You may leave.”

“Yes, Miss Harris,” the servant responded before quietly stepping away.

Once alone, Linda carefully tucked the fragment away, her expression unreadable.

The date was set.

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Chapter 127 He's Not The Only One Who's Worried About Her

This Friday. Eight o'clock.

A prime-tslot-proof of how much Blanche valued this performance. It wasn’t just another show; it was a

statement.

Hadley felt a rush of emotions-excitement, nerves, and the weight of expectation pressing down on her.

This was her first real stage performance. A defining moment. Failure wasn’t an option.

With tickets going on sale that night, Hadley forced herself to sleep early.

Blanche had already reassured her beforehand.

“Don’t stress over ticket sales,” she had said firmly. “Lightning Stuperformances always sell out fast. Just

focus on your dancing. If the premiere flops-that’s when we’ll have a problem.”

And sure enough, the next morning, when she checked the ticketing website, the numbers spoke for themselves.

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Sold out. Every single seat.

“Wow!”

Hadley covered her mouth, overwhelmed by the realization. “This is it. This is the big stage,” she thought. If she

couldn't make a nfor herself here... then she would have no one to blbut herself.

Her phone chimed, snapping her out of her thoughts.

A message from Denver.

“Congratulations! The performance tickets are sold out!” A blushed, smiling emoji followed.

Hadley chuckled softly, warmth blooming in her chest. So he was keeping track of this too.

“Thank you.”

“You're going to be incredible. Break a leg, Hadley!”

On the other end, Denver set his phone down, a thoughtful look crossing his face.

After a pause, he opened a group chat. His fingers hovered for a moment-then he started typing.

“This Friday-Lightning Studio’s performance. VIP box tickets. Who's in?”

Denver typed out the message, hit send, and leaned back, waiting for replies.

Of course, he had already secured his own ticket.

Missing Hadley’s first performance? Not an option.

He had been prepared for anything-even buying up any unsold tickets himself if demand had been low.

He had the money, and he was more than willing to spend it.

But he had underestimated just how high the demand would be.

Last night, he had stayed up, watching the ticketing site like a hawk. The moment the clock struck midnight, he

clicked the link. But so had hundreds of others.

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Chapter 127 He's Not The Only One Who's Worried About Her

It had been a frenzy. A battle of speed. In the end, he had barely managed to snag a few VIP box seats. If he had

hesitated even a second longer, he might not have gotten any at all.

His phone buzzed, pulling him from his thoughts.

Barrie was the first to respond. “Hadley’s first stage performance?”

Denver quickly replied, “Yeah. Csupport.”

“I'm in, too.”

“Thanks, Marshall.”

“Countin. But what about Eric? Why so quiet?”

Across the city, Eric sat at his desk, coffee in hand, his phone screen glowing. His lips curied into a smirk.

He typed out a reply to Barrie's question. “Alright. Nothing better to do, anyway.”

“All set, then! Appreciate it, guys!”

With that, the plan was locked in. Eric casually set his phone down, his expression as composed as ever-

impossible to read.

Beside him, Phillips hesitated for a beat before speaking. “Mr. Flynn... most of the employees | reached out to

weren't able to secure tickets. Only a few managed to get through.”

So, Denver wasn’t the only one worried about ticket sales.

Eric had anticipated the possibility and had quietly arranged for Flynn Group employees to purchase tickets- his

way of ensuring the numbers stayed high.

But, unsurprisingly, these corporate staff weren't exactly seasoned ticket buyers. By the tthey figured out

the process, the seats had already been snatched up.

Oddly enough, Eric didn’t seem the least bit disappointed. If anything, there was a trace of amusement in his

eyes.

He leaned back, casting Phillips a brief, knowing glance before speaking. “No problem. Tell them | appreciate the

effort. Anyone who pitched in-count it as overtime. Make sure they're paid for it.”

Phillips gave a small nod. “Understood, Mr. Flynn.”

As he turned to leave, a thought lingered in his mind-

Did Eric actually want those tickets... or was he just playing a different galtogether?

Friday.

The theater was alive with anticipation.

Eric arrived discreetly, blending into the refined crowd with his usual composed demeanor. Howeve efore

heading to his seat, he made a quick detour to the restroom.

On his way back, he stopped short. Ahead, standing in the corridor leading from backstage to the main hall, was

Denver-holding a large bouquet of roses.

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Eric’s gaze flicked to the flowers, and then back to Denver. It wasn’t hard to guess who they were for.

“Denver!”

Right on cue-Hadley’s voice rang out, light yet tinged with nervous energy. She stepped into view, dressed in her

performance attire, the soft lighting in the corridor casting a glow against her delicate features.

“Hey, Hadley!”

A slightly awkward smile tugged at Denver's lips as he lifted the bouquet slightly. “I hope I’m not interrupting

something important!”

Hadley let out a small laugh, shaking her head.

“Not at all. Actually... I'm a little nervous right now. You're just in tto help distract me.

At the word nervous, Denver straightened, concern flickering in his eyes.

“Hey, relax. You've got this. You're going to be incredible.”

This wouldn't be his first twatching her dance.

He had seen her dance before-watched as she transformed under the spotlight, effortless and untouchable.

“| figured.”

Hadley flashed a warm smile, her eyes drifting to the bouquet in Denver's arms. “Are those for me?”

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Denver didn’t hesitate, extending the flowers toward her.

“Yeah. Wishing you an amazing performance.”

Hadley chuckled as she took them, her brows lifting slightly at the sheer size of the arrangement. It was

extravagant-undeniably thoughtful.

“Would you mind holding onto them for now?” she asked, lowering her voice slightly.

“Backstage is packed, and I'd hate for them to get misplaced. That'd be a real shame.”

Denver blinked, momentarily caught off guard. Was this her way of saying she valued them?

“Wait, how about this?” she mused, reaching toward the bouquet. “Since they're mine now, can | claim just

one?”

Denver hesitated, and then nodded. “Of course.”

“Then | won't be shy about it.”

With delicate precision, she plucked a single rose from the bouquet, twirling it between her fingers. “I actually

need a flower for my performance later.”

Turning slightly, she pointed to the elegant bun at the nape of her neck. “I'll wear it here-just this one.” Without

waiting, she reached up and carefully tucked the rose into place. Then, tilting her head, sh “How does it look?”

Denver's gaze softened as he took her in.

inned.

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Chapter 127 He's Not The Only One Who's Worried About Her

“Yeah...” He started, but then paused, tilting his head in consideration. “Actually-it’s a little crooked. Might be

loose.” Stepping forward, he let his voice dropped slightly. “Here, letfix it for you.”

“Oh, okay.”

Hadley turned slightly, tilting her head down just enough to give Denver better access.

Under the soft glow of the corridor lights, Denver carefully adjusted the rose, ensuring it was nestled securely

in place.

“All set.”

Hadley lifted a hand, brushing her fingers over the petals. Feeling it firmly in place, her smile bloomed. “Thank

you.”

Just then, a voice called from inside.

“Hadley! Are you done chatting with your friend?”

“Coming!” Hadley called back before turning to Denver with a quick wave. “I have to go! See you later!”

“See you later.”

Denver watched her disappear backstage, but the smile on his face lingered.

Not far away, Eric stood in the shadows, silently observing. His expression darkened as his gaze flicked from

Hadley to Denver. Then, without a word, he looked away and strode off.

Inside the theater, the lights dimmed.

The curtain lifted and the performance had begun.

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