After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 134

After hanging up, Louisa didn’t dwell on the conversation. She simply opened her sandwich and began eating.

Marlee, however, looked stunned. “Ms. Forbes…” she started, hesitantly.

“What is it?” Louisa glanced at her expression.

“If I heard correctly just now, you mentioned two names,” Marlee said cautiously.

“Is there a problem with that?” Louisa’s tone was casual, as if nothing were out of the ordinary.

Marlee was too shocked to speak. Finally, she managed: “So, you’re familiar with both Mr. Young and Mr. Tudor?”

She could barely contain her excitement. In her two years at the company, she’d only heard about the illustrious CEO through others. Even seeing him once would be a luxury.

She never imagined that on her second day after joining Louisa’s team, she’d hear his name mentioned so casually by her boss.

“I’d love to see Mr. Tudor’s legendary face in person someday.”

Hearing her wistful comment, Louisa smiled. “If you dare to dream it, it might just happen.”

Marlee grew even more excited. “Really?”

“Just focus on your driving.”

Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the Oakridge Commons development and went to the sales office first.

The spacious showroom was nearly empty of customers, and the staff looked completely disengaged–some watching dramas on their phones, others playing games or chatting. No one appeared to be working.

Louisa didn’t identify herself, simply saying she was interested in buying. A reluctant young saleswoman was forced to show them the

model unit,

Throughout the tour, the saleswoman kept her eyes glued to her phone, barely acknowledging Louisa’s presence.

Marlee was getting irritated and was about to say something when Louisa stopped her. Instead, Louisa asked the saleswoman, “Aren’t you going to tell us about the property?”

The young woman replied impatiently, “What’s there to explain? It’s a Tudor Group property–the quality speaks for itself, the finishes are

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impeccable, the reputation is stellar. Just look around yourself. Buy it or don’t, whatever.”

Marlee was furious hearing this, but Louisa gestured for her to stay quiet.

After that, Louisa asked no more questions and simply examined the unit.

Indeed, Tudor Group properties were known for solid quality and prime locations. The interior design and finishes were done by the Group’s own team–elegant and luxurious. Opening the window revealed a breathtaking view of mountains meeting water, a truly

picturesque scene.

Louisa didn’t linger in the model unit and soon left. As they were leaving, the saleswoman remarked dismissively, “Knew you weren’t

going to buy. Why waste everyone’s time?”

Marlee was livid. “Ms. Forbes, did you see her attitude? Is that how they treat potential customers? Why didn’t you reveal your identity

and put her in her place?”

“Sales staff work on commission,” Louisa explained calmly. “Don’t they know they earn money when properties sell? Their attitude proves the property has inherent problems they can’t solve. They’ve accepted the units won’t sell, so why bother making an effort?”

Marlee looked puzzled. “What problems could the property have? And why is Oakridge Commons struggling when Oakview Residences,

launched at the same time, is doing well?”

Louisa smiled. “That’s an excellent question. You’ll likely have your answer soon enough.”

Seeing Louisa’s composed demeanor, as if she already knew the answer, Marlee felt even more perplexed. Was this what executive

presence looked like?

Next, Louisa led Marlee around the development site. Most of the buildings were completed, with only one still under construction, though it was already taking shape.

Five or six workers were gathered around this building, most sitting on the ground eating lunch, with one person working at height.

Marlee frowned. “Why do they also seem so unmotivated?”

Louisa observed them for a moment. “They’re not unmotivated–they’re exhausted.”

As she spoke, she walked to her car and opened the trunk. She removed her suit jacket and ID badge, placing them inside, then changed into a pair of flat athletic shoes.

Marlee didn’t need to change–she was already in casual wear.

After changing, Louisa lifted a case of bottled water. “You take the other one.”

Each carrying a case of water, they approached the workers. Several workers immediately came forward. “Ladies, why are you carrying such

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heavy loads? Where are you headed? Let us help you.”

They were kind people–despite their obvious fatigue, they still offered assistance.

Louisa smiled. “These are for you.”

The workers exchanged confused glances. “For us? Why for us?”

“I work at a convenience store nearby,” Louisa improvised. “This is part of our ‘community care‘ program. Please, help yourselves. It’s so

hot today–we don’t want anyone getting heatstroke.”

“Miss, you’re so kind.”

“Yes indeed! Beautiful and kindhearted–whoever marries you will be the luckiest man alive.”

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Louisa took their comments as mere politeness and didn’t respond. She squatted down to join them, sitting on the ground. After some

casual conversation, she brought up the project.

“I’ve heard this is a Tudor Group development. Shouldn’t construction be moving quickly? Why are there only a few of you working here?”

“Don’t get me started. The units here aren’t selling well, and management doesn’t care, so many workers have been reassigned to other projects. Those of us without connections or resources–and without money to bribe the supervisors–got stuck here.”

“You have to give bribes?” Marlee asked, surprised. Did construction work really depend on connections?

“Who knows? We’ve just heard many people give gifts. We can’t afford to.”

“Not only can’t we afford bribes, they’re cutting our wages too,” added another worker. “It used to be thirty dollars per hour, then twenty- five, then twenty. Now we’re down to fifteen!”

The speaker was an older man, perhaps in his fifties, who appeared to be the foreman.

He grew increasingly agitated. “We may not be direct Tudor Group employees, but this is no way to treat people! I’ve heard the new person in charge is some young guy everyone calls Mr. Tudor. He must be greedy or spending money on wild living–that’s where our wages are going.”

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