After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 185

Chapter 185

Louisa was momentarily stunned. Why would she care if he fell into that trap or not? Julian’s question seemed strange.

“What, is that question difficult to answer?” Julian pressed.

Louisa hesitated briefly. Though unsure of his meaning, she decided to answer honestly, “Yes, I am worried!”

Her response was firm.

Julian raised an eyebrow slightly, his gaze softening. “And why?”

“Because it’s filthy,” Louisa replied.

Though she occasionally complained about Julian behind his back, in her heart, he was clean–radiant like the sun. She didn’t want him

tainted by such filth.

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But in the business world, these circles were inevitable and hard to resist. Look at George–ten years ago, he had been a clean–cut, fresh- faced young man, but that purity had lasted barely a decade.

Julian stood up from his chair and faced her, gently patting her head. “Then keep a close eye on me.”

Louisa was startled by this sudden tenderness. Hadn’t he been angry just an hour ago? Now he wasn’t?

And what did he mean by that? For her to watch over him? If he wanted to go down that path, how could she stop him? As his subordinate, she could hardly physically restrain him.

But judging by his expression, her concerns hadn’t surprised him at all.

Of course–if she could see through this scheme, surely he could too. She’d spoken out of turn. He was just teasing her.

“I’ll reply to Mr. Baldwin right away,” she said, taking out her phone.

Julian nodded, gazing out the window. Dusk had fallen, and lights were beginning to shine, creating a gorgeous, dreamlike scene.

“It’s still early. Want to go for a walk?” he asked.

Without looking up from her phone, Louisa replied, “Better not. It’s almost dark, and these mountains can be dangerous for someone

alone.”

She planned to stay in the villa.

Julian said nothing.

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Chapter 185

When she finished sending her message and looked up at his expression, she realized, “Oh, Mr. Tudor, you want to go for a walk?”

With a straight face, he said, “It is indeed dangerous to go alone.”

Louisa fell silent. If he wanted to go out, why couldn’t he just say so directly?

“I’m going out. Come with me.” Such a simple sentence–why did everything from his mouth have to be so convoluted? Like a reading comprehension test where she confidently wrote her answer only for the teacher to mark it with a big X, making her feel foolish.

Whatever. If her boss wanted to go, she’d have to accompany him, come what may.

With resignation, she nodded. “If you’re not afraid, I’ll accompany you. I’ll protect you.”

Her expression amused Julian. “Go change your shoes,” he said.

That meant they’d be walking.

Louisa returned to her room and changed into white sneakers.

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She considered changing her entire outfit to something more comfortable, but then thought they might go straight to Saul’s gathering afterward, so looking too casual wouldn’t be appropriate. She settled for a light white blouse and a matching gray skirt, then joined Julian

outside.

By now, the sun was setting. Fresh mountain air greeted them, with a coolness in the evening breeze. The sun slowly descended, painting the mountain peaks a brilliant gold–truly breathtaking.

Louisa felt grateful she’d come out to witness such beauty.

She walked behind Julian, who moved at a leisurely, elegant pace, seemingly without destination. It wasn’t tiring to follow him. They strolled along the resort’s forest path, the sunset’s glow like a thin layer of gold spread across the ground.

Julian suddenly spoke, his voice deep and magnetic, “Have you heard of a certain legend?”

Louisa turned to him. “What legend?”

In the twilight, Julian’s eyes seemed unfathomably deep. “Some say that during the transition from dusk to night–the ‘Witching Hour- things hidden in the shadows begin to wander the streets. They mimic human voices, calling your name.”

He paused, his lips curving slightly upward. “If you’re walking alone and hear someone call you, never respond. Because it’s not human–it will follow your voice to find you, attach itself to you, and eventually take your soul.”

His voice flowed smoothly, like a gentle stream in the darkness, carrying a certain irresistible power. Louisa listened, almost entranced. She wasn’t sure if she was captivated by the story or by his voice.

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After several minutes, she finally responded, “But if there’s no one around, how do they appear?”

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Julian’s gaze darkened slightly. “They transform into someone you know well, playing on your deepest desires, drawing you closer step by

step, until the moment you let your guard down… and they devour you.”

Louisa fell silent.

Julian turned to look at her, and when she caught up to him, he noticed her face had paled. He smiled gently, reaching out to ruffle her

hair. “Afraid of ghosts?”

She shook her head. It wasn’t ghosts she feared.

Seeing her distracted state, Julian softly called out, “Louisa.”

“Yes?” she looked up at him reflexively, her eyes still unfocused.

The sunset, like burning flames, colored her face and lips red–like blooming rose petals, vibrant and dangerous.

Julian’s gaze deepened as he leaned slightly toward her, close enough to feel each other’s breath. His warm exhale brushed against her temple, the tip of her nose, the edge of her lips.

His voice was tender yet husky, with a hint of dangerous allure, “Ms. Forbes, by responding to me, are you inviting me to devour you?”

Louisa stared at his handsome face just inches away, its sunset–tinted contours exuding a bewitching aura, as if possessed by something

otherworldly.

She remained motionless, as if under some spell, her face flushing deeper, her breathing uneven. At such proximity, the slightest movement would bring their lips together.

Julian chuckled softly and ruffled her hair again. “Quite brave, aren’t you? Not even afraid of being devoured.”

As he spoke, he took her hand. It was ice–cold. He stopped teasing her, and they continued walking.

Night had fallen imperceptibly, transforming the resort into another world entirely. Louisa remained distracted throughout their walk, not even noticing when they entered a small grove.

Darkness surrounded them, with only the rustling of wind–blown leaves and a strange, low sound like breathing from a distant wilderness.

Louisa tensed, instinctively clinging to Julian’s arm.

Julian looked down at the sudden “attachment” to his arm and laughed softly. “Ms. Forbes, didn’t you say you’d protect me? I’m beginning

to doubt your ability.”

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