After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 144

Louisa watched Josie’s stubborn denial with a cold smile. “You think I’d call you in without evidence?”

She pulled out a signed document and slammed it on the desk, her tone suddenly razor–sharp. “Take a good look. Is this your handwriting? Should I have

forensics analyze it?”

The color drained from Josie’s face. It was a wage reduction form with Neil’s name–but in Josie’s handwriting.

She had forgotten about this slip–up. Last month, before Neil was fired, Josie had been short on cash and targeted the workers‘ wages again.

Neil had been reluctant to sign because the wages had already been cut too much, risking investigation from above. But after Josie seduced him, he’d eventually agreed. When the time came to sign, he was called away and told Josie to sign for him.

She’d figured that since Neil’s previous signatures hadn’t been discovered in six months, one more forgery wouldn’t matter. She never imagined Louisa would

uncover it.

Josie sat there, ashen–faced and deflated

*Pack your things and get out,” Louisa said coldly. “By noon tomorrow, return every penny you stole, with interest, to the company account. If even one cent is missing, these materials will be at the prosecutor’s office tomorrow.”

Reality hit Josie like a truck–she’d spent all the money. How could she possibly pay it back?

She fell to her knees, sobbing. “Ms. Forbes, please forgive me just this once. I was out of my mind. Please don’t report me. I’m my parents‘ only daughter- what will happen to them if I go to prison?”

Louisa’s expression remained pitiless. “If you’d admitted it earlier, I might have been lenient. But you showed no remorse.”

Her eyes narrowed. “The most disgusting part is how you justified each expense by saying, “These are just laborers–it doesn’t matter if they get a little more or less. They should be grateful for the scraps they receive.‘

“What makes you think you’re so superior to these workers? Aren’t you afraid of karma?”

Josie collapsed on the floor, speechless.

‘Get out!”

Outside, the onlookers had fallen into stunned silence. No one expected Louisa to take down Josie–once the most powerful person in the office–so swiftly.

Finally, someone spoke, “I’m starting to respect her. Thought she’d be a pushover, but she’s tough as nails. We’d better watch ourselves before this she–devil

catches us too.”

Josie emerged looking disheveled, her face deathly pale. Gone was her arrogance–now she looked ready to die. She knew she couldn’t return the money, but she didn’t want to go to prison.

A sympathetic colleague offered advice, “Why not beg Ms. Hughes? She doesn’t get along with this she–devil. She might let you off just to spite Louisa.

Yes, yes, that’s a good idea. Go plead with Ms. Hughes.”

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Chapter 144

They forgot, however, that while Teresa and Louisa had personal issues, Teresa was still the Deputy Director of Investments. She couldn’t protect Josie in a

matter like this.

In the end, Josie had no choice but to slink away from the company in disgrace.

On the 36th floor, CEO’s office, Teddy reported the incident to Julian immediately, “Ms. Forbes is truly remarkable. She uncovered the truth in less than a day and decisively removed this parasite in just twenty minutes. It’s deeply satisfying.”

Julian continued reviewing documents at his desk, not bothering to look up. “Short–sighted,” he remarked coldly.

Teddy blinked. “Excuse me?”

Julian clarified, “Have someone watch Josie in case she tries to retaliate against Louisa out of desperation.”

Teddy’s face lit with understanding. “Ah, I see,” he said, smiling to himself.

Though Louisa had dealt with Josie, the Oakridge Commons situation wasn’t over.

She knew Josie had already squandered the money. To recover it properly would require filing a police report and initiating financial liquidation proceedings -a process that would take too long.

Louisa had promised the workers their money within three days. She couldn’t break her word, especially since paying them was essential to her next steps.

But as Marlee had explained, the Tudor Group had too many projects, personnel, and departments involved. Going through proper channels would take days.

The only solution was to get special approval from leadership.

So she printed a wage reimbursement application and went to Teresa’s office.

Teresa glanced at it and sneered, “Ms. Forbes, quite the skillful operator–removing a cancer from the Investment Department. I should commend you.”

Her tone dripped with sarcasm. “But I can’t sign off on this wage reimbursement. I need to verify the previous wage distributions and evidence before approving anything.”

Louisa had anticipated this response and placed the workers‘ financial records on her desk. I’ve already uncovered the truth. It’s all here.”

Teresa didn’t even look. “This is just your personal claim. I need to investigate myself and have concrete evidence before I can approve it.”

Louisa was exasperated. Wasn’t this just a waste of time? Or rather, deliberate obstruction?

Teresa finally looked up at her. ‘If you’re not satisfied, you could go directly to Mr Tudor for approval. If he agrees, I’ll have nothing more to say.”

Louisa nodded. “Good suggestion. Thank you for the recommendation, Ms. Hughes.”

Without another word, she left Teresa’s office, entered the elevator, and pressed the button for the 36th floor.