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

Chapter 69 The Flynn Family's Adoptive...

Hadley hesitated before recognizing the familiar face.

“Is that you?”

Indeed, it was a familiar face-the man she had occasionally seen at Galant, the one who had once bought her

pumpkin soup.

“Yep, that’s me.” Denver flashed a brilliant smile. “Didn’t think I'd bump into you here.”

Denver had been abroad for a project in recent weeks and had just returned to Srixby. It had been stime

since he last visited Galant and saw Hadley.

To his joy, chance had brought them together once more.

Denver reached out his hand. “I realize | never properly introduced myself. I'm Denver Moran.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Hadley responded, her smile modest as she took his hand.

“So...” Denver paused, and then awkwardly scratched his neck. “Might | know your name?”

“Sure.” It felt right to introduce herself after he had. “I'm Hadley Pearson.”

Hadley.

Denver repeated her nsilently, his smile broadening.

Her beauty was unmistakable, and she moved with the grace of a skilled dancer. Even the sound of her name

brought a sense of delight. She radiated an aura of effortless charm.

“Are you here for the birthday party too?” he asked.

Pausing briefly, Hadley gave a hesitant nod. “I suppose | am.”

After all, she was the guest of honor.

Just then, Denver's phone began to ring. He checked the caller ID, and then returned his gaze to her. “Looks like

my friends are here-I'll find you later.”

“Sure, go ahead,” she responded casually.

With a nod, Denver walked away, phone pressed to his ear. “Where are you guys? I'm already here...”

Looking across the room, Hadley caught sight of Nyla, who was waving at her.

She straightened up, offered a courteous smile, and made her way over.

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Chapter 69 The Flynn Family's Adoptive Daughter

As the event kicked off, the venue was bustling with the arrival of most attendees.

Nyla stood at the center, with Eric on her left and Hadley on her right.

“Who is the young lady beside Nyla?”

“I'm not sure, but she certainly catches the eye. Do you know which family she’s from?”

“Con, think about it for a moment.”

Whispers gradually filled the air among the attendees.

“The invitation mentioned a birthday celebration for the adopted daughter of the Flynn family-that must be her.”

“You mean she’s Hadley?”

Her nstill carried weight in Srixby after all these years.

It was common knowledge here about her once deep affection for Eric.

“Is she back in town? When?”

“Actually, she’s been back for a while now. She was the reason for that gathering Nyla threw stago.”

“Is that so? | didn’t see her there last time.”

“Well, who can say?”

At that moment, Nyla cleared her throat subtly, grasped Hadley’s hand, and turned to the guests.

“Ladies and gentlemen, | present my granddaughter, Hadley. She’s been studying overseas for the past several

years and has just recently cback to Srixby. Today is also her birthday, so I thought it the perfect moment to

reintroduce her to everyone here, ensuring she recognizes all our valued family and friends in future

encounters.”

“Mrs. Flynn, what are you saying? Hadley’s beauty makes her unforgettable to anyone who meets her,” a guest

responded.

Nyla always had a way with words. While she seemed worried that Hadley might unintentionally offend someone,

her real goal was to emphasize-“This is my granddaughter, a true Flynn.”

In Srixby, acknowledging the Flynn lineage meant that Hadley would now be afforded the appropriate respect.

“Hadley,” Nyla whispered, touching the back of her hand. “Later, I'll introduce you to sof the distinguished

guests.”

“Absolutely,” Hadley answered quietly.

Nearby, Denver was briefly lost in thought.

Hadley was she really the Flynn family’s adoptive daughter?

His friends were engaged in lively conversation around him.

“Wasn't Hadley supposed to be Eric's wife? How cshe’s now described as an adoptive daughter of the Flynn

family?”

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Chapter 69 The Flynn Family's Adoptive Daughter

“Well, they took her in before she married Eric years later, so it’s not exactly wrong to call her their adoptive

daughter.”

“Yet consider this-why specifically refer to her as an adoptive daughter and omit any mention of her ties to Eric?

There must be an underlying reason.”

One friend, aware that Denver's cousin Marshall knew Eric well, elbowed him. “Denver, you're connected to Mr.

Flynn, aren’t you? Any idea about this situation?”

“Well, 1...” Denver found the revelations hard to digest, striving to stay composed.

“What | do know is that she and Eric ended their marriage years ago. It's been a while since they split... and Eric

has moved on.”

“Divorced?” someone chimed in. “Could the Flynn family be looking to match her with someone tonight?”

His friends shared knowing looks.

“That's probably it. Did you notice the number of eligible bachelors here tonight?”

They subtly motioned toward Nyla’s direction.

“Look over there. Every family greeted by Nyla includes an unmarried son.”

One exclaimed in surprise, “What does this mean for us? What's our move?”

“Ha!” Another laughed heartily. “Really? You think the Flynn's adoptive daughter is somehow below you?”

“It's not her status as an adoptive member that matters; it's her history with Mr. Flynn that's the issue!” “Stop

being so old-school. So what if she’s married before?”

“You're missing the point,” another responded. “Hadley has a reputation. If she latches onto a man, it's

overwhelming!”

He faced the group. “Let's be real-if she were matched with any of you, would you actually be pleased?”

“Not a chance!”

“I'm not interested, thanks!”

Denver's expression grew troubled as he listened to the banter. Was Hadley still caught up in her feelings for

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Eric?

“Tto leave!”

“We don’t belong in this chatter anyway.”

The group then moved away, pulling Denver with them.

Nearby, Eric stood with a stern look, his demeanor chilly. Barrie and Marshall were at his sides.

They caught each other's eyes-they knew Eric was upset.

Yet, there was little they could do. Gossip was inevitable, silencing one might work, but quieting a crowd was

impossible

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And truthfully, what they said weren't baseless.

Eric finished his drink quickly, his throat working as he gulped. He handed the empty glass to Barrie. “I need to

talk to Grandma.”

“Eric, wait!”

Meanwhile, Nyla was enjoying a moment of respite in the lounge, delicately sipping her tea.

“Grandma.”

Eric approached swiftly and took a seat opposite her. “Are you really so eager to set Hadley up with someone?”

Nyla eyed her grandson's troubled look. “What's got you so worked up? Someone's words got under your skin,

and now I'm the target?”

“Grandma!”

He gestured with his hand, loosening his tie, feeling suffocated.

“You didn’t hear what they were saying about her!”

“Hmm.” Nyla remained calm, taking another sip of her tea, seemingly indifferent. “No, | didn’t hear them. But |

can read the distress on your face.”

“Grandma!” Eric’s tone carried a note of desperation. “You know those men aren't trustworthy. They play nice to

her face but slander her in her absence. Do you really want to entrust Hadley to such men?” Nyla regarded him

thoughtfully. “And why exactly is that bothering you so much?”

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