Chapter 17 Her Debut Performance
Eric walked over and picked up the tube of ointment from the coffee table, examining it carefully.
The seal was intact.
Hadley hadn’t used it at all.
A cold smirk spread across his face. “Still playing the martyr for attention, I see.”
If Hadley chose not to use the ointment, that was her choice.
He wasn’t going to let it bother him.
Memories of how she hurt Linda four years ago resurfaced. He believed he had already extended more than enough grace to her.
With an indifferent flick of his wrist, Eric threw the ointment into the trash can and walked off.
Outside Silver Villas, Hadley activated her phone and called a rental agent. She dedicated her day to apartment
hunting.
By the late afternoon, she had secured a place.
It was a modest, slightly worn one–bedroom apartment in the older section of the city. It wasn’t lux…
us, but
it featured a kitchen and a bathroom–sufficient for her needs to cook and maintain her personal hygiene.
Given her limited budget, this was the best option available.
The agent inquired, “What do you think? Will this do?”
Hadley gave a small nod. “Yes, it’s fine,” she answered quietly.
“Excellent,” the agent responded. “I’ll draw up the contract. Once I confirm a few details with the landlord, you can move in soon.”
“Really? That’s great! Thank you so much.”
Securing her new living arrangement eased a significant weight off Hadley’s shoulders.
That evening, she experienced her first peaceful night’s sleep in a long time.
In contrast, Eric spent another night away from home.
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Chapter 17 Her Debut Performance
Today was Friday.
Hadley took the day to rest, conserving her energy for her debut performance later. She knew she couldn’t afford any mistakes tonight.
Being punctual was crucial on her first day of work.
She left early and reached Galant with twenty minutes to spare, ready to make a good impression.
Lennon welcomed her with a warm smile and a strong handshake. “Tonight is your moment to shine, Hadley. Prepare to captivate everyone!” He motioned towards a collection of dazzling costumes. “We’re all set here. Now it’s up to you to mesmerize the audience!”
Hadley responded with a tentative smile and a nod, “I’ll give it my all.”
“Exactly what I want to hear! Now, go put on your makeup and get dressed!”
“Understood.”
Her act for the evening was a jazz dance, complete with an exquisite mask, as planned during rehearsals.
Lennon had shared his thoughts on the concept earlier. “Mystery enhances appeal. It captivates the audience. By revealing less, we pique their curiosity, making them eager for more. This strategy along with your excellent skills? Your name is gonna be circulating the town.”
This approach was designed to draw in the crowd and encourage them to spend.
Lennon studied Hadley’s expression. “Your face is a valuable asset–it should be revealed strategically.”
Hadley was indifferent about the marketing tactics.
Her primary goal was to make money, so she complied with the plans without any objections.
Just before her performance, Lennon came by for a final check. “Are you all set, Hadley? You’re on soon
“I’m ready,” she replied.
She rose to her feet and drew in a deep breath.
The previous act had featured a pole dancer, which had already electrified the audience.
Hadley’s understated costume contrasted with the overt sensuality of the earlier performance.
As her music cue sounded, Hadley stepped into view.
Her mask veiled the upper part of her face, while bright red lipstick accentuated her mouth, enhancing her mysterious allure without crossing into vulgarity. Her appearance was compelling, drawing all eyes to her.
Soft curls framed her face, enhanced by a stylishly tilted black hat.
She was clad in a flowing white silk shirt that billowed around her as she moved, coupled with organza harem pants that subtly revealed her shapely legs.
Entering the spotlight, Hadley greeted the crowd with a captivating smile, her natural charm speaking volumes
without a word.
The room filled with the intimate tunes of seductive jazz.
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“Wow!”
Cheering and whistles echoed throughout the venue as the audience responded enthusiastically.
In a prime booth directly across from the stage, Eric was spending the evening with his friends Barrie Hanson
and Marshall Myers.
Marshall had also brought along his cousin, Denver Moran, who had just returned from studying abroad, still exuding a fresh school boy vibe.
Tonight, they were introducing Denver to the local nightlife.
As he handed Denver a drink, Marshall said, “Now that you’re a big boy and about to join the family business, you need to feel at home in places like this.”
“Understood,” Denver replied, his natural reticence still apparent.
The ambiance changed as Hadley began her performance, instantly capturing the attention of everyone in the
venue.
Barrie, intrigued, leaned forward for a better view. “Check out the new act at Galant. She’s new, isn’t she?”
“Appears so,” Marshall replied.
“Look at her waist,” Barrie commented, nudging Eric and pointing towards the stage. “It’s incredibly slender. Looks like I could easily circle it with one hand.”
“Why are you pointing her out to Eric?” Marshall chuckled, shaking his head. “Come on, you know Eric’s only interested in his-”
“Hey.”
Eric shot him a look and interrupted sharply, “Go ahead, keep making those comments, I dare you.”
“Okay, okay, I’ll stop,” Marshall replied, raising his hands in a playful surrender, while exchang smirk with Barrie.
They couldn’t discuss it openly?
nowing
The scandal from years back was common knowledge in Srixby. The Flynn brothers had once both been enamored with the same woman.
Linda had chosen Ernest, yet Eric had remained devoted to her.
Eric had even sent his own wife abroad for Linda’s sake.
His loyalty was legendary.
Meanwhile, on stage, the performance reached its climax.
Hadley moved with a graceful fluidity, her waist swaying, her legs executing each step with enticing precision.
Despite the sultry movements, her expression was detached, her gaze commanding a quiet authority.
To entertain any inappropriate thoughts about her seemed almost disrespectful.
Yet, the crowd was utterly spellbound.
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Chapter 17 Her Debut Performance
Her cool demeanor paired with her captivating movements created an irresistible allure, electrifying the atmosphere.
The audience erupted in applause, with every spectator, from those on the ground floor to those in the elevated
booths, fixated on Hadley,
Her allure was undeniable.
Eric suddenly straightened up, his attention sharply drawn to the figure on stage.
Oddly, the dancer seemed familiar to him.
“Hey,”
Barrie caught his intense focus and waved a hand in front of his face. “What’s got you so captivated? You’re staring pretty hard.”
“Really?”
Marshall joined in, skeptical. “Come on, who could possibly divert Eric’s attention like that?”
Eric chuckled lightly, focusing more intently. “What are you all talking about? She just looks like someone I know. It’s like I’ve seen her somewhere else before.”
Too Late Mr. Billionaire: You Can’t Afford Me Now
