After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 188

Chapter 188

Everyone in the room fell silent, all eyes fixed on Julian, waiting for his verdict.

Among the so–called VIPs was a musician who had already begun playing his violin. There was also a painter ready to create art on the

spot.

Julian set down his wine glass and said simply, “It’s acceptable.”

His tone was casual, his expression cold.

The room went silent. Was Julian here just to spoil the mood? A wine worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, and all he could say was

“acceptable“?

Saul felt like punching someone. Back when he and William were dominating the business world, this kid was still in diapers. When had he become so difficult–more impossible to deal with than his father?

The atmosphere grew awkward. Seeing Saul’s discomfort, the VIPS didn’t dare speak, quietly sipping their wine instead.

Julian, seemingly oblivious to how he’d killed the mood, leaned back in his chair and cast a distracted glance toward the potted plants in

the corner.

Louisa, standing not far behind those plants, noticed his look and smiled to herself. The real show was about to begin.

Saul also caught Julian’s gaze and smiled triumphantly.

His instincts had been right–Julian did have a type. Those self–righteous types never went for the obvious beauties; they preferred innocent, vulnerable flowers. Even Julian couldn’t escape the allure of a beautiful woman.

He called to the woman behind the plants, “Jan, why are you hiding back there? Come meet Mr. Tudor.”

The girl emerged from behind the greenery. She wore a white dress, her long hair flowing. Her face wasn’t heavily made up–just mascara and lipstick on her delicate, porcelain skin.

Though her features weren’t striking, her eyes were clear and lively. When she looked at Julian, her long eyelashes fluttered before she shyly lowered her face–like a startled white rabbit.

Several men in the room eyed her with undisguised hunger. The women watched with hostile jealousy.

Louisa was puzzled. When had Julian noticed this girl? Had he really taken an interest in her? This was clearly Saul’s trap–surely Julian could see through it? Besides, didn’t he prefer men?

Louisa felt her thoughts becoming jumbled.

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Chapter 188

Saul addressed the girl, “Jan, this is Mr. Tudor.”

The girl approached Julian but stopped several steps away–showing appropriate restraint.

When she looked at him, her eyes revealed timidity and shyness. “Hello, Mr. Tudor. My name is Jannine Crawford,” she said softly.

Her introduction was awkward, yet somehow endearing, inspiring protective feelings in the men present.

Julian merely offered the faintest smile, saying nothing.

“Jan, don’t be shy. Find a seat,” Saul encouraged.

Jannine nodded obediently. “Thank you, Mr. McCarthy.”

She glanced nervously at the sofas. The women’s faces showed hostility, while the men barely contained their excitement.

Her nervousness quickly turned to fear, her slender white fingers fidgeting anxiously.

Several men called out, “Jan, come sit by me!”

“Over here, over here!”

“Don’t listen to them–they’ll just bully you. Come to me, Jan. I’ll protect you.”

The last speaker, a man in his forties, reached out to grab Jannine’s arm.

Frightened by this display, Jannine’s eyes reddened as if she might cry. She quickly retreated behind Shirley, clutching her hand while sending a pleading look toward Julian–as if convinced he was the only decent person in the room.

Shirley patted her hand reassuringly. “It’s okay. Just find a seat somewhere.”

The message was clear: save yourself; I can’t protect you.

Jannine bit her lower lip, tears threatening to spill. She hurried toward Julian, her expression helpless and pitiful. “Mr. Tudor, may I sit

with you?”

Julian was in a single armchair–there was no space for her. She seemed to realize this only after asking, biting her lip again and looking at him with utter helplessness.

Instantly, all eyes in the room turned to Julian.

Louisa watched too, incredulous. With so many places to sit in this room, why did this girl need to sit next to a man? Couldn’t she sit beside another woman?

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Chapter 188

Wasn’t this act a bit too obvious? Surely Julian wouldn’t fall for it?

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Inexplicably, she recalled their earlier moment in the grove, when she’d clung to him, begging him not to leave her. He hadn’t abandoned her then–he’d even taken her to see the seagulls.

He truly was a gentleman. Would he now feel compassion for this girl and help her?

Louisa watched him, unaware of the tension in her own heart.

Julian remained unhurried, a casual smile playing on his lips. He gestured with his right hand. “Do you see any space for you here?”

With that single sentence, he exposed the entire scheme. But then he added, “If you don’t mind, Ms. Crawford, you could squat.

His tone was remarkably cordial.

Jannine hadn’t expected this response. Her large eyes froze, uncertain how to react.

Saul’s jowls quivered. Wasn’t Julian supposed to be the epitome of gentlemanly behavior and refinement?

Even if he wouldn’t let Jannine sit on his lap, shouldn’t he at least protect her, make some space for her to sit? Telling someone to squat

-how gentlemanly.

The atmosphere froze again.

Louisa nearly burst out laughing, also feeling relieved. Besides a sharp tongue, her boss certainly possessed remarkable self–control and refused to follow predictable patterns.

What was this like? A scripted play where one actor suddenly abandoned the predetermined lines and improvised, effectively halting the planned plot and leaving the others unable to respond.

Yet the show had to go on.

Jannine still stood there, helpless and lost, looking pitiful.

Saul had no choice. “Ms. Powell,” he said to Shirley, “bring a chair for Jan.”

They couldn’t actually make Jannine squat–she wasn’t a dog.

Shirley quickly found a chair and placed it beside Julian’s armchair, helping Jannine sit down.

The awkward scene finally concluded. The group resumed drinking and chatting.

Julian seemed to completely forget about Jannine beside him, much to Saul’s frustration.

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Saul was convinced Julian was just pretending to be above it all–why else would he have noticed someone behind the plants from across

the room?

He wanted to hint that Julian could simply take Jannine back to his villa.

But how could he suggest this? Given Julian’s peculiar temperament, if he rejected the idea outright, the situation would become even

more awkward.

Julian noticed Saul’s restlessness. “Is something wrong, Mr. McCarthy? Are there nails in your sofa?”

Saul thought, ‘You know exactly what’s wrong.‘

Julian saw through him and smiled mischievously. With feigned casualness, he asked, “What’s the story with this Jan?”

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