After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 172

Louisa considered Teddy’s offer. They were heading to the same destination anyway, and this would save Rachel the extra trip.

She nodded to Teddy, then turned to Rachel. “You don’t need to drop me off after all. Head home early–and thanks for your hard work today.”

‘Don’t mention it, Rachel replied casually, giving Louisa’s shoulder a friendly pat. Then, looking into the car, she called out, “Goodbye, Mr. Tudor.”

Julian acknowledged her with a cool response while Rachel smiled at the two men in front. “Bob, Teddy–see you around.”

“Bye, Ms. Santos, they replied in unison.

After Rachel left, Louisa opened the rear door and slid into the seat.

Despite Julian’s cold shoulder, basic professional courtesy demanded acknowledgment.

“Mr. Tudor, she greeted politely.

Julian didn’t react, as if he hadn’t heard her at all.

Louisa shrugged it off. She’d done her part; if he didn’t want to speak to her, that suited her fine too.

The atmosphere in the car immediately thickened with tension. In the front seats, Bob and Teddy exchanged glances.

Bob’s eyes silently asked, ‘Did they have another fight?‘

Teddy nodded imperceptibly. They managed to argue during a single phone call.

Bob frowned. Aren’t you going to say something?‘

Teddy shrugged slightly. ‘I don’t even know what they’re fighting about. How can I help?

Their entire conversation happened without a word.

In the back, neither Julian nor Louisa seemed bothered by the silence.

Louisa pulled out her phone. Marlee had sent several messages, and she focused on responding to them.

Forty minutes later, they arrived at the underground parking garage of Dreamscape Club. Bob remained with the car while the others headed upstairs.

Through Teddy, Luisa learned that tonight’s dinner was at the invitation of real estate magnate Saul McCarthy.

Saul was a contemporary and close friend of William Tudor. The McCarthy Group and Tudor Group had previously collaborated on a hot springs resort project–a partnership established before Julian took over Tudor Group.

Given this history, Julian had readily accepted Saul’s invitation.

What Louisa hadn’t anticipated was who else would be in the private room. Beyond Saul and his secretary, she saw Percy–VP of the Tudor Group–and two familiar faces: George and Caden.

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Now she understood–Saul had orchestrated this gathering to include the Capulet Group and the Price Group.

Teddy pulled out the chair at the head of the table, and Julian sat down with elegant detachment. Everyone greeted him respectfully.

Everyone except George, whose eyes had locked onto Louisa the moment she entered.

He’d already confirmed that she was merely a team leader in Tudor Group’s investment department–someone who had no business attending a gathering of

this caliber.

Yet Julian had brought her anyway. Were they so comfortable appearing as a couple in public?

Jealousy and rage burned in his eyes.

Louisa grew tense under his scrutiny. Would George make a scene?

The atmosphere turned awkward. Julian’s eyes cooled as he glanced briefly at her.

Teddy, sensing the tension, quickly pulled out the chair beside his boss. “Ms. Forbes, please sit here.”

That single gesture drew everyone’s attention. The CEO’s assistant personally pulling out a chair for a woman? Her relationship with Julian must be special

indeed.

Louisa read their assumptions in their expressions. She recalled Julian’s words: “If you’re innocent, you needn’t fear shadows.” Let them think what they

wanted.

“Thank you,” she said to Teddy with a smile, ignoring the others.

Teddy nodded and took his seat on Julian’s other side.

Everyone present had specific agendas for this dinner, so they didn’t waste further energy on Louisa.

Saul, the eldest, broke the ice. “Come now, Shirley, pour Mr. Tudor a full glass. He’s late–that deserves a penalty drink.”

His secretary promptly stood and filled Julian’s glass to the brim. All eyes turned expectantly to Julian, who remained unruffled, offering a slight smile.

Louisa and Teddy exchanged glances. They both knew Julian disliked alcohol, and as his subordinates, one of them needed to intercept this drink.

Louisa hadn’t forgotten her purpose for being here. Fortunately, she’d taken stomach medication and alcohol neutralizers beforehand as a precaution.

She reached for the glass. “Mr. Tudor is injured and can’t drink alcohol. I’ll take this one for him.”

The moment she spoke, George’s eyes burned crimson with rage. She used to intercept drinks only for him. Now she was doing the same for Julian?

Hadn’t she claimed she disliked Julian? Liar. She’d deceived him again.

Furious, he gripped his own glass so tightly it seemed about to shatter.

Ignoring his murderous glare, Louisa raised the glass to her lips.

Just as she was about to drink, a pale hand with elegant fingers intercepted, taking the glass from her.

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She looked up in surprise to see Julian. Her eyes questioned him silently.

He met her gaze briefly–his first acknowledgment of her all evening. “You don’t need to drink this. Eat your food.”

Louisa was baffled. Wasn’t this exactly why he’d brought her? To drink in his place? And now he was telling her not to?

Julian set the glass back on the table.

A profound silence fell over the room.

George stared at the scene, his jaw clenched so tightly his teeth might crack. The others displayed varying reactions–some frowning slightly, others with knowing looks.

Louisa was completely confused. She’d never understood her enigmatic new boss. What was his angle here?

Percy broke the silence with a chuckle. “Our Mr. Tudor is always so considerate of the ladies.”

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