**Clocks Lie To Hearts by Asa River Flint**
Julian stood there, exuding an effortless charm in a deep gray suit that struck the perfect balance between casual and refined. There was something magnetic about his presence, an aura that compelled people to pause and take a second look. His features were undeniably handsome, and his movements flowed with an elegance that seemed almost divine, as if he had been sculpted by the hands of an artist.
His gaze flicked toward Louisa for just a moment, but it was enough to send a wave of memories crashing over her.
In an instant, she was transported back to the previous night—the night at Dreamscape Club, where this man had been her unexpected savior. It was him, the one who had come to her aid when she was at her lowest.
Those eyes of his—calm and steady, like a tranquil spring—had provided her with a sense of safety that she hadn’t known she needed.
Then, the memory of her embarrassing moment rushed back. She had thrown up on him, a complete disaster of a situation. Yet, instead of reacting with anger or disgust, he had taken her to the hospital and paid for everything without a second thought. A true gentleman, indeed.
Now, here he was, the very man she was supposed to interview with today.
Flora, ever the observant friend, noticed Louisa’s momentary lapse into thought and nudged her gently. “I know Mr. Tudor is easy on the eyes, but you really shouldn’t stare like that. He’s not the type to be interested in women with ulterior motives. Just keep it cool.”
Louisa frowned slightly, feeling a mix of embarrassment and confusion. It wasn’t that she was lost in his looks; rather, she was grappling with the shock of seeing her rescuer in such a different context.
“And just so you know,” Flora continued, her tone turning serious, “I’m not particularly close with him, so if you mess up, you’re on your own. Make a good impression, okay?”
Louisa nodded, biting her lip to suppress the swirl of thoughts in her head. She was still trying to figure out how to express her gratitude when Flora, ever the proactive friend, began to lead her toward Julian.
“Mr. Tudor, Mr. Morgan,” Flora greeted, her voice bright and cheerful. “This is my friend, Louisa Forbes. I thought she’d appreciate the chance to meet you in person.”
Julian raised an eyebrow, his gaze briefly sweeping over Louisa, taking in her long legs before he turned away, his voice flat and nonchalant. “Okay.”
Louisa’s heart raced at his cool demeanor. Maybe he didn’t remember her after all. Why would he? She had been a complete mess the night before, and for him, it was likely just another evening filled with the usual chaos of club life.
Wallace, on the other hand, radiated warmth as he threw an arm around Flora’s shoulders, treating her like an old friend. He turned his attention to Louisa, a grin stretching across his face. “Ms. Forbes, looking good! How do you keep getting prettier?”
Given the collaborative nature of the Morgan Group and the Capulet Group, it wasn’t surprising that they were familiar with one another.
Louisa managed a polite smile, her cheeks warming slightly. “Mr. Morgan, you’re too kind,” she replied, trying to keep her composure.
Just as Wallace was about to continue the conversation, Julian tossed him a pool cue, his voice cutting through the chatter. “Your turn.”
As Julian made his way to the lounge area, Louisa felt a sudden surge of urgency. She hadn’t thanked him yet. Without thinking, she followed him, unaware of how close she had gotten.
Louisa had braced herself for the possibility that securing a position in the Tudor Group wouldn’t be a walk in the park. But she wasn’t desperate; she had her pride.
With a cool nod, she replied, “Sorry to bother you, goodbye.”
Without waiting for a response, she turned to leave, feeling a mix of disappointment and resolve.
However, just as she took two steps away, his voice called out from behind her. “Weren’t you going to add me on WhatsApp?”
A wave of realization hit her; she had almost forgotten about repaying him. Awkwardly, she glanced back at him, only to find that he had already pulled out his phone and brought up a QR code.
Without thinking, she walked over, scanned his code, and added him, blissfully unaware of the intensity of his gaze fixed upon her.
But not everyone was oblivious. George, who happened to be passing by with a group of friends for a game, caught sight of the scene unfolding before him. He had only glanced casually at first, but the more he looked, the more he recognized that silhouette—it was Louisa.
When she lowered her head, he caught a glimpse of her stunningly familiar profile, and his heart sank. It really was her. Didn’t she say she was out shopping with friends? Why was she here with a man? Had she lied to him?
With that thought swirling in his mind, George’s expression darkened, and he strode purposefully toward them, ready to confront whatever was happening.

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