After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 169

Chapter 169

Louisa couldn’t help but laugh. “Don’t worry, no dangerous missions this time. Just use those camera–charming hands of yours to shoot a promo video for me. Easy peasy.”

“No problem at all,” Rachel replied. “I’ll shoot as much footage as you need.”

After Louisa explained her requirements in detail, Rachel agreed without hesitation.

Their dinner stretched into hours of conversation, and by the time Louisa walked her to the door, it was already past ten.

As they waited for the elevator heading up, Louisa stifled a yawn. “You should get some sleep once you’re back to adjust to the time zone. I’ll call you tomorrow afternoon about the location shoot.”

“Got it!‘ Rachel nodded, feeling the jet lag creeping in herself.

However, the moment the elevator doors slid open, all traces of sleepiness vanished from Rachel’s face.

She immediately straightened her posture, her voice bright and crisp, “Mr. Tudor!

Hearing the name, Louisa glanced toward the elevator. Sure enough, Julian stood there, apparently returning from working late.

“Mr. Tudor, she echoed politely.

Julian acknowledged them with a cool nod. “Evening.”

“You live here?” Rachel blurted out, clearly shocked by the coincidence.

Julian arched an eyebrow. “Is that a problem?”

Rachel went silent, her eyes darting between Julian and Louisa. A mischievous smile spread across her face as understanding dawned.

She snatched the car keys from Louisa’s hand. “I’ll borrow your car. You should head home with Mr. Tudor.”

Before Louisa could process what was happening, Rachel gave her a firm push, sending her stumbling directly into Julian’s

arms.

He caught her instinctively, his arm wrapping around her waist. Louisa’s head collided with his neck, her lips accidentally pressing against his skin.

The sudden contact froze them both.

The cool sensation of his skin and his crisp, pleasant scent invaded Louisa’s senses, leaving her mind blank.

For Julian, the softness of her lips felt like an electric current running through him. His body involuntarily shuddered, his breath caught, and his armi tightened slightly around her waist.

Rachel ducked into the elevator, giggling as she pressed the button and disappeared behind closing doors.

Louisa snapped back to reality and immediately pushed away from Julian. Her face burning, she couldn’t meet his eyes.

I’m sorry,” she stammered. “I didn’t mean to–that wasn’t She wished she could teleport to Rachel’s side and strangle her.

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Chapter 169

Julian looked down at her, his voice unexpectedly husky. “It’s fine.”

Relief washed over her. Now if she could just escape this mortifying situation…

“Come help me change my bandage,” he said.

Louisa wanted to disappear into the floor. After what just happened, how could they possibly be alone together without dying of awkwardness?

I’m not exactly qualified for medical care,” she tried. “Maybe I should-”

One look from him silenced her protest. The unspoken reminder hung in the air: his injury was because of her.

“Fine,” she sighed, defeated.

“So reluctant? Is this how you treat someone who saved your life?”

She muttered under her breath, “You bring up ‘saving my life‘ every chance you get. Don’t they say true gratitude doesn’t require constant reminders?”

“What was that?”

“Nothing,” she said quickly.

Following him with her head down, Louisa realized she had no ground to stand on. He had saved her multiple times–debts she couldn’t repay if she tried.

Already stressed by those debts, she felt even more upset because of his constant “threat.”

At his door, Julian punched in the code, then turned to her. “Remember this. You’ll be changing my bandage for the next few days, so let yourself in. Don’t make me come to the door for you.”

‘Understood,‘ she replied quietly.

Inside, she worked in silence–rolling up his sleeve and unwrapping the bandage with careful movements.

But when the final layer came off, revealing the full extent of his injury, her breath caught.

His arm was strong and well–defined with smooth lines that, combined with his skin, resembled a flawless work of art.

Now that perfection was marred by a six–inch scar. Looking at the scab, she could imagine how deep the cut had been.

Her heartbeat slowed painfully as the reality of what he’d endured for her sank in.

‘Don’t tell me you’re scared of a little scar, Julian said, noticing her reaction.

Louisa didn’t respond. Lost in thought, she cradled his forearm in both hands, her fingers gently tracing the skin near the wound.

The delicate touch of her fingertips felt like feathers brushing against his heart.

Julian’s throat tightened. “How long do you plan to keep touching me?” he asked, his voice rougher than intended.

Louisa looked up, her eyes glistening. “Did it hurt badly?”

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Chapter 169

Julian held her gaze. “You’re just now thinking to ask that question?”

She fell silent, realizing how foolish she sounded. Of course it had hurt. With such a severe injury, here she was being dramatic about it.

Without another word, she took a cotton swab with ointment and carefully applied it to his wound. Her movements were gentle yet precise, her focus

absolute.

She was completely unaware that Julian’s intense gaze never left her face, studying every subtle expression with equal concentration.

As she finished rewrapping the fresh bandage, he suddenly spoke.

“Do you want to repay me for saving your life?”

Louisa froze, her hands still on his arm. Was he offering her a chance to settle her debt?

“What would you like me to do, Mr. Tudor?” she asked immediately. “Just say it.”

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