After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 189

Chapter 189

Saul seized the opportunity. “Mr. Tudor, perhaps you don’t know, but Jan has had an incredibly difficult life. She’s the daughter of an old friend of mine–a sweet–natured girl, excellent student, still in university.

“But recently, her father passed away. Her mother is in poor health, and her brother struggles with alcoholism.

“Poor girl–bearing the pain of losing her father while caring for her mother and brother, all while working to pay her own tuition.

“Just days ago, her mother’s condition worsened. The surgery alone costs over $100,000. It’s truly heartbreaking…”

His voice dripped with sympathy.

Jannine, as if her wounds had been reopened, immediately teared up again.

Louisa internally rolled her eyes at this familiar script. Dead father, sick mother, alcoholic brother, broken daughter–unable to afford expensive medical treatment and thus forced to sell herself.

A predictable trap that somehow managed to turn even the smartest businessmen and executives into fools.

Everyone in the room fell silent, watching Julian.

Julian sighed with apparent resignation. “I see…” His words came out slowly.

Saul grew excited, convinced that Julian was just pretending. He thought Julian’d been wanting to play the hero all along, despite taking such a roundabout approach.

The entire room was silent, waiting for Julian’s next words.

Unexpectedly, he merely glanced at the wine and said casually, “This Screaming Eagle that you opened–it must cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, right?”

Saul fell silent. What did this mean? Weren’t they discussing Jannine? Why shift back to the wine?

Julian sighed dramatically. “We evil capitalists–drinking such expensive wine when the cost could save her mother’s life ten times over. How can we justify it?”

He placed his glass on the table with an expression of profound guilt.

Saul was dumbfounded. Why wasn’t this kid following the script?

Julian continued in a grave, concerned tone, “Mr. McCarthy, as it happens, I know an excellent medium who specializes in dealing with… unwelcome visitors. Would you like me to arrange an appointment? I’m genuinely concerned that Jan’s father might knock on your door in

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Chapter 189

the middle of the night.”

Saul nearly spat blood in rage.

Louisa was struggling desperately not to laugh. She’d never realized her boss possessed such acting talent.

The others in the room were also fighting to contain themselves.

Jannine kept her head bowed low, her expression hidden.

Saul finally understood–this insufferable young man had seen through the scheme from the beginning and was toying with him.

No wonder Percy had warned that Julian couldn’t be bribed or intimidated, that he was shrewder than any old fox. Controlling him was

virtually impossible.

If that was the case, Saul would have to resort to more underhanded methods.

Inwardly seething but outwardly smiling, he said, “Julian, why must that mouth of yours always be so sharp?”

He’d switched from the formal “Mr. Tudor” to a familiar tone, attempting to soften the atmosphere through implied friendship.

Jannine quickly interjected, “Mr. Tudor, you’ve misunderstood Mr. McCarthy. He’s offered to help me, but I didn’t want to be indebted to

him, so… so…”

She left the sentence unfinished.

Seizing the lifeline she’d thrown, Saul added, “Jan, don’t be so formal. We’re all friends here. Tomorrow I’ll have someone cover your mother’s medical expenses, and this time you mustn’t refuse.”

“Yes, Mr. McCarthy,” she replied.

Their coordinated performance provided a graceful exit from the awkward situation.

Julian smiled. “Then I’ve wronged you, Mr. McCarthy. I’m sure you wouldn’t exploit the situation to manipulate this young lady, I’ll punish

myself.”

He picked up his glass and took another small sip.

Saul’s smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Surely one sip isn’t enough for a punishment? Shirley, refill Mr. Tudor’s glass.”

“Yes,” Shirley replied, approaching Julian with the wine.

But she didn’t pour, seemingly waiting for Julian’s permission.

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Chapter 189

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Julian smiled unhurriedly. “Mr. McCarthy, please don’t be so generous. This glass of wine must be worth $100,000–enough to save Jan’s mother’s life. I truly fear her father might visit me at night. Aren’t you afraid?”

Saul’s face flushed with anger. He desperately wanted to sew this insufferable young man’s mouth shut.

Louisa nodded in wholehearted agreement. For once, she sided with Saul. Many times, she too had wanted to sew Julian’s mouth shut.

Still, she couldn’t help but sympathize with Saul. Julian appeared polite, cultured, and dignified, but inside, his mind was full of mischief.

Better to provoke a bear or tiger than Julian Tudor.

Saul had completely run out of options.

The others dared not interject–Julian was genuinely terrifying.

He seemed like someone standing at the summit, looking down at humanity, seeing through everyone’s dark intentions and malicious

schemes. No one could outmaneuver him.

Julian checked his watch. “It’s past nine. I should go.”

He stood up from the sofa.

Saul rose as well. “It’s barely past nine. Are you ready for bed so early?”

The others also stood.

Julian responded lazily, “Indeed. It’s never too early to take care of one’s health. Mr. McCarthy, you should do the same. I’ll have someone send you some health supplements.”

‘Supplements my ass.‘ Saul inwardly scoffed.

He’d been suppressing his anger all evening, but maintained his fake smile. “That’s thoughtful of you, Julian. I remember you were such a polite, adorable child. I even held you once. Since we have this rare opportunity today, let’s skip the drinks and have something to eat

instead.”

Without giving Julian a chance to refuse, he instructed his staff to prepare dinner.

As he spoke, he exchanged a meaningful glance with one of his men.

Louisa caught it. The old schemer hadn’t gotten his way all evening and was now planning to make his move during dinner. He must have signaled for someone to drug the food.

They absolutely couldn’t eat this dinner.

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Chapter 189

Realizing she could no longer just watch from the sidelines, she stepped forward toward Julian.

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