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

Chapter 87 He Had To Plan

For Her

Even after Eric had gone, Hadley remained bewildered. He had traveled all this distance... just to deliver a treat

to her?

With the break of dawn the next day, Hadley set out.

In the last two days, she had reached out to several clubs, hoping to secure an audition for a new gig. Despite

her skilled background, each meeting inexplicably concluded without an offer.

This morning, she was on her way to another venue. Though she had already sent a video of her dancing, the

club insisted on seeing her perform live-videos, after all, could be altered.

“Hadley Pearson, right?”

“Yes,” she replied, her voice tinged with anxiety.

Unexpectedly, the manager looked over her resand said flatly, “I'm sorry, but you don’t seem to meet our

requirements.”

He handed back her resume, dismissing her before she even had a chance to dance.

Not again!

Hadley’s brow creased with confusion. “Can you explain what I’m missing?”

She was confident in her qualifications, both in her appearance and professional skills.

The manager responded with a noncommittal smile, “I'm sorry, but that will be all for now.”

With no further explanation approaching, Hadley reluctantly left the room.

Back at the Flynn Group CEO's office, Eric's phone began to ring.

Engaged in a meeting, Eric left his phone behind, so Linda, after a moment's pause, decided to answer for him.

“Hello?”

On the other end was the club manager who had just dismissed Hadley.

Assuming it was Eric who picked up the call, the manager said obediently, “Mr. Flynn, | wanted to let you know

that Hadley stopped by. | followed your instructions and denied her application. Just wanted to confirm directly

with you.”

Linda’s eyebrow arched in surprise. “What instructions from Eric are you referring to? Why reject Hadley?”

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Chapter 87 He Had To Plan For Her

Caught off guard by a woman's voice and realizing his mistake, the manager stammered, “Uh...”

“This is Linda Harris,” she said in a tone that was casual yet assertive. “Tellwhat's going on, and savethe

trouble bringing this up with Eric later.”

“Alright, I'll explain.”

The manager paused only momentarily before choosing to be forthright.

It was common knowledge in Srixby that Linda held a special place within the Flynn family, particularly favored

by the Flynn brothers.

“The situation is this-Mr. Flynn explicitly instructed that no dance clubs in Srixby should employ Hadley.”

“Is that all?” Linda's voice carried a hint of amusement.

“Yes, that’s everything.”

“Understood.”

With a slight smile, Linda disconnected the call. She shook her head in disbelief, murmuring. “Unbelievable.”

She pondered why Eric would sabotage Hadley’s employment opportunities. Whatever his motives, she was

skeptical of their integrity.

What could Hadley be up to at this moment?

Without any job opportunities, was she somewhere shedding tears?

Linda let out a soft laugh.

She recalled spotting them dining together recently and speculated if their dynamic had evolved.

Yet, everything appeared unchanged. Her concerns were unfounded.

In the conference room, the meeting had just ended.

Barrie recalled something as he turned to Eric and said, “Regarding your request a few days ago, | spoke with my

mother. She arranged a meeting. Ms. Nicolson is available tomorrow evening. She’ll be waiting in her dance

studio.”

Eric’s mouth turned up in a pleased grin. He nodded in gratitude to Barrie. “Thanks.”

“There's no need for thanks.” Barrie dismissed with a casual hand wave. “Just helping a friend.”

Blanche Nicolson stood as a prominent figure in modern dance and directed Srixby’s most celebrated dance

studio, known for their international tours that sold out well in advance.

Barrie's mother and Blanche had grown up together, sharing a bond close to sisterhood.

This deep connection enabled Eric to secure an appointment with Nicolson, a figure noted for her exacting

standards-a significant success.

“However,” Barrie continued, “Ms. Nicolson was explicit that she will only consider them if they're sufficiently

skilled. Lackluster performance won't cut it, despite any personal connections.”

Eric dismissed the concern with a chuckle. “That won't be an issue.”

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His mind replayed Hadley’s performances at Galant-each one more captivating than the last.

“She's in a class of her own when it comes to dance.”

“Really?” Surprise flickered across Barrie's face, detecting a hint of admiration in Eric's expression.

“And who might this exceptional dancer be?”

Eric gave him a warning look. “None of your business, man.”

The timing wasn’t right to divulge more.

“Hold on...” Suspicion dawned on Barrie. “Is it that girl from Galant?”

Reflecting on the past, Eric had hardly shown genuine interest in anyone except for that woman recently.

Eric's gaze sharpened. “I said, none of your business!”

Barrie grinned, realizing the truth. “Ah, so it is her!”

He couldn't help but chuckle. “Con, what's the issue in admitting it? Her dancing is indeed magical.”

Eric's look turned cold. “Seems you've been paying her quite a bit of attention.”

Could that be a hint of jealousy? Indeed-Eric was not one to appreciate others admiring his interests.

Barrie quickly replied, “No, of course not!” He swiftly steered the conversation elsewhere. “Anyway, it's great

she'll be training with Ms. Nicolson. That's a genuine opportunity.”

Eric was well aware of the benefits.

He wondered if Hadley herself understood she couldn't dance at Galant indefinitely. For a real future in dance,

she needed to seize this chance.

She was young and inexperienced, unaware of the complexities ahead. But he was aware, and it was up to him

to make better plans for her future.

Following their discussion, Eric walked back into his office to find Linda there, which surprised him momentarily.

“Linda? What brings you here?”

“Is my presence unwelcome?” Linda asked with a smile, standing up from her chair. “I wrapped up early today

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and thought Id swing by to pick you up. How about dinner at hwith Nyla? I've been so caught up with work,

I've hardly seen her. She must be missing our company.”

“Indeed, how could she not?”

Eric approached his desk, placed a folder down, powered off his computer, and organized sdocuments. He

then faced Linda again.

“I'm all set. Let's head out.”

“Great.” Linda moved closer and linked her arm with his in a relaxed manner.

Eric tensed momentarily, looking down at their joined arms.

“What's up?” Linda asked, touching her face. “Is my makeup off?”

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Chapter 87 He Had To Plan For Her

Eric diverted his eyes from her arm and shook his head. “No, it's fine. Let's get going.”

After a discouraging job hunt the previous day, Hadley was at it once more.

Today's prospect was a dance studio.

Options were limited, compelling her to explore every available opportunity.

As she was on her way, her phone began to ring.

Eric was on the other end.

“Hello?” Hadley answered tentatively.

“What's going on?” Eric was quick to notice. “You sound exhausted. Are you unwell?”

“No...” Hadley wasn’t in the mood to go into details. “Is there something you needed?”

“Do | need a reason to call?”

Yet, he did have a purpose. “I'll pick you up at six. Stay at huntil then.”

Hadley scowled. “Why should I-"

Why should she wait for him at all?

Before she could complete her thought, Eric interrupted, “It’s decided. | have things to handle. We'll talk later.”

With that, he ended the call.

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