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

Chapter 70 You're Nothing

Like That

*Grandmal

How could Eric not be actions?

In their cirdies, marriages of convenience were the norm

Eric had spent his life seeing countless marriages without love, kept together merely for family alliances.

He knew that Nyla’s favoritism toward Hadley could attract people who wanted to use her status in the Flynn

family for their own benefit, not because they cared for her.

“Enough” with calm authority, Nyla asked Eric, “Who is responsible for Hadley becoming the subject of tonight's

gossip?”

Eric found himself at a loss for words.

Nyla sighed softly. “Regardless, rumors will circulate, as they always do.”

She continued, “Yet, I'm convinced that Srixby must have at least one honorable man who genuinely values

Hadley and accepts her past.”

Her optimism was unwavering

“You never know,” she added.

Eric acknowledged that arguing with Nyla was futile for now

Looking around, he asked, “Where's Hadley now?”

“She’s out mingling Nyla replied. Till look out for her, but it's good for Hadley to meet people herself. She might

just meet the right one.”

Despite Nyla’s hopeful plans, Hadley found them difficult to embrace

Nyla had envisioned Hadley minging freely with guests, but having been away from Srixby for so long, Hadley

felt out of place at such lavish parties.

She grabbed sfood and retreated to a secluded corner.

That evening, Hadley was also supposed to give a performance at Galant.

Eric had informed Lennon he would be taking Hadley away, and Lennon had readily consented.

Hadley stared at her plate, muttering, | can spend sextra tpracticing later to burn off the calories

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ute Nothing ke That

That's it should just eat and stop worrying about gaining weight”

actest chuckle caught her off guard.

Raison de ems, Hadley stopped mid-bite. “Denver?”

Demer ofved a smile, nodding towards Hadley’s plate. “You're looking great, Hadley, Don’t worry about

He then gestured towards the adjacent chair. “Is it okay if | join you?”

Sure, go ahea?”

As Denver took his seat, he noticed the subtle scent of flowers emanating from Hadley,

You know. He paused, his nerves making him hesitate as he mustered the courage to speak. “So, | didn’t know

you were related to the Flynn family.”

With a gentle smile, Hadley turned to him and said, “Yes, after | lost my own family at fifteen, Nyla welcomed me

into hers

She looked at him with curiosity. “You weren't aware of that?”

Back in the day, Hadley’s reputation was notorious throughout Srixby.

Even those who hadn’t met her were familiar with the whispers about her.

“I wasn’t.” Denver shook his head, explaining, “I was abroad for my education during my teens and have only

just returned.”

That explanation seemed reasonable to Hadley.

“I see.” She nodded, then returned her attention to her meal.

“Ahem.” Denver cleared his throat, his discomfort apparent. He asked further, “About you and Eric... are things

okay between you?”

Hadley regarded him with a hint of bewilderment. What exactly was he attempting to ask?

Realizing his question might seem too intrusive, especially since they had just met, Denver regretted his

bluntness

“I apologize. | shouldn't have pried... It's just...”

What was he trying to say?

Denver was simply curious if Hadley still had connections to Eric, or if any old feelings remained.

Feeling his cheeks heat up, he struggled to articulate his deeper questions.

“It’s alright, really. Given your taway, it’s natural to have questions,” Hadley reassured him with a smile.

She continued, “It’s well-known around Srixby that he can’t stand me. Honestly, he downright hates me.” This

confirmed what Denver had suspected.

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Chapter 70 You're Nothing Like That

He had pieced together her situation through snippets of conversation with Marshall.

It dawned on Denver that the purpose of this birthday party was indeed to introduce Hadley to someone new.

“Speaking of which-"

Denver remembered something abruptly. “Nyla mentioned your recent return from studying abroad. Where

was it?”

“Blathe.”

Denver's expression brightened. “Really? | spent tin Blathe as well! What school did you attend? Perhaps we

were near each other.”

Hadley let out a soft laugh. “I was studying dance at the Chauncy Academy of Arts. | don’t suppose you were

studying arts, so we probably never crossed paths before.”

A touch of disappointment crossed Denver's face. “You're right. | attended the University of Blathe. Strange we

never ran into each other, being in the scity and all.”

“University of Blathe, huh? That's quite impressive!” Hadley encouraged him with a thumbs-up. “You're

definitely among the elite.”

Denver responded with a humble shrug, “The university is prestigious, but | wouldn't call myself an elite.” After a

brief pause, Denver asked again, “Hadley, if it’s alright to ask, why do you perform at Galant?”

He found it hard to believe that someone from the well-off Flynn family would work at a nightclub.

Anxiety fluttered in Denver's chest; he hoped his question hadn't crossed a line.

However, Hadley seemed calm and explained simply, “I need to make a living, Denver. Let's be honest, Galant

offers the best paycheck in Srixby.”

“That makes sense.”

Denver acknowledged with a subtle smile, realizing Hadley was no longer reliant on Eric for support.

“You've got quite a few questions for me. Is it the rumors that have sparked your curiosity? Did their chatter

catch your attention?”

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She glanced over at the bustling crowd.

Hadley saw many familiar faces from her past.

“What are they saying aboutnow?”

Denver hesitated, caught off guard. “Um...”

Laughing softly, Hadley continued, “Go on, tell me. They probably think I'm arrogant, ruthless, manipulative...”

With a resigned grin, she took a deep breath. “And perhaps they aren't entirely mistaken.”

“You're nothing like that!”

Denver cut her off before she could say more, his voice laced with urgency and conviction.

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“What?” Hadley looked at him, a flash of surprise in her eyes.

“I mean it. You're not like that at all.”

Looking earnestly into her eyes, Denver said, “The Hadley I've cto know shines when she dances, greets

strangers with a smile, and prefers to sit quietly in a corner and enjoy her little moment of solace during busy

gatherings.”

This was the real Hadley he saw.

She was neither arrogant nor manipulative, and definitely not ruthless.

Hadley hesitated, processing his words.

Looking at Denver, she felt tears of gratitude welling up in her eyes.

Denver's recognition and respect were a rare gift, much like what she received only from Colleen in the past.

At a distance, Nyla and Eric watched the interaction closely.

“Who is that lad?” Nyla peered closer. “He seems familiar. Could it be Denver from the Moran family? Yes, it

must be!”

With a nod of approval, Nyla murmured, “He could be right for Hadley.”

She gently pulled on Eric's arm. “See how well they're getting along? Let's not disturb them; give them some

space. It could lead to something.”

“Fine...”

Eric turned away, following Nyla’s advice, yet a tight sensation gripped his chest, making it hard to breathe.

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