After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 168

As soon as work ended, Louisa left the company and stopped at the supermarket for fresh ingredients.

Back home, she washed and arranged the food on plates. Just as she finished setting the table, the doorbell rang.

Louisa opened the door to find Rachel Santos wearing a red dress, looking glamorously alluring.

‘Let me get a good look at you,” Rachel said, immediately giving her a big hug and twirling her around. “It’s been a while, and you’ve become even more beautiful! What’s your secret to staying so youthful? Tell me quickly, don’t keep it to yourself.”

Louisa laughed, about to speak when Rachel interrupted her again.

“Don’t you dare tell me you don’t have any special skincare routine. Do you know how annoying it is when naturally beautiful people like you exist?”

“Then why even ask? Louisa replied with mock irritation.

Rachel grinned. “Fine, I won’t ask anymore. Let me take a shower first, and we can talk while we eat.”

While Rachel freshened up, Louisa carried the hot pot to the dining area and turned on the induction cooker.

By the time the broth was boiling with steam rising, Rachel emerged from the bathroom.

Louisa added the ingredients to the pot while Rachel, towel–drying her hair, explored the apartment.

*Not bad, Rachel commented. “This is exactly how a single woman’s apartment should be. One person, so carefree, so comfortable. If you ask me, all men in this world should just die. What good are they anyway?”

Louisa couldn’t help but laugh. “That might sound convincing coming from anyone else, but you? A woman who expertly navigates between men? You can say something like that?”

*I’m just feeling indignant on your behalf!” Rachel replied. “Isn’t George that bastard blind? To let go of such a wonderful wife like you and chase after a

mistress–is he mentally deficient?”

Since the divorce, both Sadie and Flora had avoided mentioning George’s name in front of Louisa.

Hearing it unexpectedly, her smile faded. It was a past she didn’t want to revisit.

“Everyone makes their own choices,” she said with a faint smile. Anyway, he and I are over. He’s not worth mentioning anymore.”

Rachel nodded and continued exploring. Walking over to Louisa’s desk, she noticed a bowl of water with what looked like a dried clump of grass soaking in

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Curious, she picked up the bowl. “Isn’t this a lichen? You’re growing this thing?”

Someone gave it to me to take care of, Louisa explained.

“What? Rachel laughed. “I bet whoever gave you this is secretly in love with you.”

Don’t be ridiculous, Louisa said quickly. “He doesn’t have any feelings for me whatsoever.”

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Chapter 168

In the past, if Sadie, Flora, and Rachel had all suggested the same thing, Louisa might have considered the possibility.

But after Julian’s straightforward words a few days ago, which clearly told her she was being presumptuous, Louisa wouldn’t even entertain the thought.

Rachel laughed at her denial, holding up the bowl. “You know this plant doesn’t naturally grow in our region, right?”

Louisa nodded. “I know, I looked it up.”

“This is called the Rose of Jericho, Rachel explained. “It’s not native to our area, but in desert cities, it’s quite common. It’s actually a type of lichen.

“When there’s no water, it dries up, turns grayish–yellow, and appears lifeless.

“But it has incredible resilience. Even after being dried up for many years, once placed in water, it revives within just a few days.*

Rachel’s voice softened. “That’s why it has another name–the resurrection plant. It symbolizes resilience and hope.

“So whoever gave you this must be hoping that you can break free from misfortune and bravely be yourself.”

“Really?” Louisa was puzzled. She had always assumed Julian was simply too lazy to care for it and had casually given it to her.

She hadn’t bothered to research much, only learning that it needed water, so she kept it soaking.

She hadn’t expected there to be such a meaningful layer to it. But was that really Julian’s intention?

Rachel sat beside her, nudging her shoulder with a suggestive smile. “Tell me, who gave it to you? Are you about to start your second romance?”

“What second romance? Don’t talk nonsense. It’s not like that,” Louisa immediately refuted. She didn’t want to misinterpret again and be mocked by Julian.

She quickly changed the subject. “What about you? You’ve been gone for several months. Where did you go?”

“Nowhere special, just Aetheria,” Rachel replied. “I visited over a dozen cities. You have no idea how scarce medical resources are there.”

She went to her suitcase and took out her camera. “Those children are truly suffering. I took many/photos–let me show you.” As she displayed the pictures, she explained the heartbreaking stories behind them.

‘Honestly, seeing these things firsthand made me realize that our problems are nothing,” Rachel continued, her expression serious.

These people are truly unfortunate, truly suffering. War has destroyed their homes, and even just staying alive has become a luxury. I came back hoping to mobilize some philanthropists to donate to them.”

Louisa nodded. “Count me in. Send me some photos and information about the area. I’ll also see if anyone around me might be willing to join.

She spoke without hesitation, and when she finished, she noticed Rachel sitting across from her, chin resting on her hand, smiling warmly.

“What?” Louisa asked.

“Nothing, just remembering my darkest period, Rachel replied.

It was over a year ago. Back then, Rachel and Louisa had known each other for a long time, but their relationship had been superficial–just exchanging pleasantries when they met.

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Chapter 168

At that time, Rachel was still the young lady of the Santos family. Though Louisa came from an ordinary background, she had married into a wealthy family. They both moved in similar social circles.

Rachel had once envied Louisa for marrying into wealth and having such a handsome, doting husband. This envy had prevented them from becoming close.

Then, over a year ago, Rachel faced a family crisis and had nowhere to turn. On a snowy night, homeless and desperate, she sat under a streetlight, calling friends one after another to borrow money.

No one would help her. That was how the circle of wealthy heiresses and socialites worked–they could share in prosperity but never in hardship.

Out of options, Rachel called Louisa.

She hadn’t expected Louisa to lend her money; she just needed someone to talk to.

After rambling for a long time while Louisa listened, Louisa finally said, “I can help you.”

Those words had been a lifeline for Rachel, like seeing hope in darkness. Afterward, Rachel rebuilt her life and never forgot Louisa’s kindness.

“For you it was crucial help, but for me,

was just a small gesture, Louisa smiled, recalling the event. “You don’t need to dwell on it.”

“I’m not dwelling on it,” Rachel replied. “I just remembered it and wanted to mention it.”

Louisa fell silent as they began eating.

Rachel finally remembered to ask: “So tell me, why did you call me? Do you want me to rob a bank or take photos inside a volcano? Whatever you need, I can handle it.”

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