After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 145

Teddy lit up at the sight of Louisa. Since yesterday, the entire 36th floor had felt eerily tense–though Julian maintained his usual cool demeanor, Teddy had been walking on eggshells. Now, he felt rescued.

“Mr. Tudor is in his office,” he said with a beaming smile. “Go right in.”

Louisa eyed his grin suspiciously. “That smile looks devious. Is something wrong?”

“No, no, absolutely not.”

“Haven’t you heard that denying something three times in a row is a sign of guilt?” she laughed.

“Is it? I’m not well–read–don’t try to trick me!”

Amused, Louisa stopped teasing him and headed toward Julian’s office.

Julian was reviewing documents in his spacious office. Behind him stood a wall of floor–to–ceiling windows, the setting sun casting a warm glow around him as twilight clouds gathered on the horizon.

The dynamic backdrop softened his typically cold demeanor–but only slightly. Louisa still felt the chill in the air.

“Mr. Tudor?” she called tentatively.

Julian didn’t look up, as if he’d expected her visit. “What is it?” he asked flatly.

Louisa didn’t know how to respond. Was he still angry? He’d been upset when he left yesterday, and she hadn’t seen him this morning either. She couldn’t believe he was still mad a day later–and she still had no idea why.

Whatever. His mood wasn’t her concern.

She approached his desk and placed her application in front of him. “Regarding the ‘Oakridge Commons‘ project, we’ve completed the investigation into the withheld wages. I’ve terminated Josie Garner. We probably can’t recover the money from her, but I believe we should reimburse the workers. We can’t damage the Tudor Group’s reputation.”

“Yes, they should be paid.”

“Then would you please sign this for me, Mr. Tudor?” She pushed the application closer to him.

Julian flipped through the pages–a standard Tudor Group application template with the reason and amount already filled in.

He didn’t sign it. “The documentation is fine, but you should follow company procedures rather than coming to me.”

“Couldn’t you make a special exception?” Her voice was gentle.

Julian looked up, meeting her eyes.

Louisa understood that a company needed protocols–especially a large conglomerate like the Tudor Group. If everyone requested special treatment, how

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Chapter 145

could the company function properly?

Meeting his gaze, she backed down. “You’re right, Mr. Tudor. I overstepped. I apologize for the interruption.”

She collected her application and left, missing Julian’s dark expression as she walked away.

As Louisa passed Teddy’s office on her way out, she politely said goodbye.

“Wait, Teddy called, brewing coffee. Louisa paused, thinking he had something to tell her.

Instead, he handed her one of the two cups he was holding. “Your favorite. Enjoy.”

It was the same coffee she’d had at Julian’s apartment. The aroma was heavenly.

She accepted it with a casual “Being so nice to me?”

“Of course!” Teddy replied enthusiastically. “So, is Mr. Tudor in a better mood? Did he approve your request?”

“No.”

Her straightforward answer made Teddy choke on his coffee. He coughed several times.

Louisa handed him some tissues and patted his back. “Why so shocked?”

“Why didn’t he sign it?” Teddy asked, bewildered.

“He told me to follow company procedures.”

Teddy was speechless. “You couldn’t get him to approve such a small matter? Couldn’t you have sweet–talked him a little?” He gave her a look that said, ‘How useless are you?”

Louisa smiled. “He didn’t sign it, but I’m not worried. Why are you so concerned?”

Teddy thought to himself,‘ Of course you’re not worried. You two are playing games, and I’m caught in the middle.‘

Unaware of his thoughts, Louisa assumed he was genuinely concerned. “Don’t worry, I have a plan. Thanks for the coffee.”

She left with her cup.

Teddy sighed inwardly. He was still in trouble.

After leaving the 36th floor, Louisa returned to the Investment Department. Without even stopping by her own office, she took her application straight to Teresa’s office.

Ten minutes passed. They barely exchanged words. Louisa remained calm, sitting in Teresa’s office, leisurely sipping her coffee.

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Teresa shot her a fierce glare. “What exactly are you trying to do?”

Nothing special. I just want you to sign this for me.”

“What, Mr. Tudor wouldn’t sign it?” Teresa smirked.

“That’s right.” Louisa smiled back, unfazed. “Though Mr. Tudor did say something to me. Would you like to hear it?”

Teresa had been about to tell her to get out, but curiosity got the better of her. “What did he say?”

“He said the workers should be paid, and that I should follow procedures.”

“Then follow procedures. Why are you still bothering me?”

Louisa took another sip of coffee before asking calmly, “Do you know why you were demoted, Ms. Hughes?”

Teresa stiffened. “What are you getting at?”

The bait was working.

Louisa smiled. “You’re admirable–passionate, stubborn, persistent, and genuinely concerned about the Tudor Group and Mr. Tudor. But your vision is limited. You lack both the ability to build a company’s foundation and the talent to run it effectively.

“In your domain, you’ve not only failed to impress your boss with exceptional work, but you’ve allowed disasters like the Aurora Media Group situation.

“So it’s no wonder that I could be promoted during my probationary period, while you were demoted. How can you expect the boss to like you under these

circumstances?”

Her tone was light, almost casual–yet there was unmistakable regret in it.

Teresa glared at her. “Fine. Julian doesn’t like me. Are you trying to tell me he likes you instead?”

‘I’d make a better employee than you-

“Shut up!”

“Ms. Hughes, I’m telling the truth-

‘Shut up! I said shut up!”

Teresa finally lost it, completely furious now. She grabbed the pen holder from the desk and hurled it at Louisa’s face without a second thought.

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