After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 19

**Clocks Lie To Hearts by Asa River Flint**

“Louisa Forbes!” Hazel’s voice cut through the air like a knife, her frustration palpable as she slammed her palm down on the table, her finger jabbing accusatorily at Louisa. “Don’t even think about it, Louisa! Do you genuinely believe I’d just run off with your money?”

“Who can say?” Louisa replied, her demeanor unruffled, a serene smile playing on her lips. “Better safe than sorry, right? I have to watch out for myself.”

Hazel felt a wave of irritation wash over her, realizing that all her usual tactics were falling flat against Louisa’s calm facade.

After a tense silence, Hazel clenched her jaw and spat out, “Fine!”

In a flash, Louisa sprang into action, dialing Sadie’s number to draft a contract. She hurried to her study, the sound of the printer filling the room as the document slid out, crisp and official. With a flourish, she signed it, Hazel standing right beside her, the air thick with unspoken tension.

As Hazel stormed out, she shot Louisa a look filled with venom, her words laced with contempt. “No wonder George has taken a liking to Vivian. He won’t even spare you a glance. You’re just not worth it.”

With that, she turned on her heel, leaving Louisa alone, the sting of her words lingering in the air like a bitter aftertaste.

That was a sharp jab, and it landed with precision.

Louisa sank back against the sofa, her head resting on the plush cushion as she gazed up at the ornate chandelier above. A laugh escaped her lips, tinged with bitterness.

Is this what they call victim-blaming?

George was the one who had betrayed their trust, yet somehow, she found herself painted as the villain?

What kind of twisted logic was at play here?

She swiftly wiped the expression from her face, rising to her feet. Changing into a light, comfortable business outfit, she felt a surge of determination as she made her way to the Capulet Group.

Upon her arrival at the Capulet Group, the atmosphere in the marketing department was thick with despair, a cloud of gloom hanging over the team.

But the moment Louisa stepped through the door, it was as if a light had been turned on. Faces brightened, and they rushed toward her, their relief palpable.

One person grabbed her arm, another wrapped their arms around her waist, and yet another buried their face in her chest, whining softly.

“Ms. Forbes, thank goodness you’re back! We can’t take this anymore!”

“Honestly, I’ve got my resignation letter ready to go.”

“Sure, the Capulet Group has great perks, but working under an idiot? I’m about to develop a stress ulcer!”

The “idiot” they were referring to, of course, was Vivian.

Louisa surveyed the scene, watching the usually tough and decisive women of the marketing world now act like lost little girls in need of comfort.

“Alright, alright, enough with the theatrics,” she said, patting their heads affectionately.

The men in the department, unable to express their emotions as freely, nonetheless mirrored the joy on their colleagues’ faces. They quickly brewed coffee and pulled out chairs for her.

“Ms. Forbes, please, take a seat!”

“Ms. Forbes, here’s some coffee!”

Louisa engaged in light banter with them, relishing the warmth of camaraderie that enveloped her.

Meanwhile, upstairs in George’s office, he sat at his desk, buried under an avalanche of work. Ever since Louisa had left, his responsibilities had multiplied.

Vivian lounged on the sofa, munching on chips while casting sidelong glances at him. She was acutely aware of the chaos she had created in the marketing department, and although George hadn’t openly blamed her, she was cautious not to provoke him during this precarious period.

Yet, that did nothing to diminish the strength she radiated.

Even simply sitting there brought a sense of calm to the room, easing the tension that had plagued her team.

The marketing team quickly resumed their tasks, and those with questions flocked to her, seeking her guidance as she effortlessly helped them navigate one issue after another.

Outside the department, Jared stood watching the revitalized atmosphere inside, his heart swelling with emotion.

Louisa was indeed the key to their success.

With her presence, everything felt different, and it wouldn’t be long before the marketing department returned to its former glory.

However, seeing her without an office tugged at Jared’s heartstrings. He turned and made his way to George’s office.

George, sensing that Jared had something important to discuss, sent Vivian out and asked, “What’s going on? Spill it.”

Jared briefed him on the current situation, adding, “I think Ms. Capulet is being treated unfairly. She deserves her own office, and the marketing department truly cannot function without her.”

The first part of his statement was acceptable, but the last sentence sent a chill through George’s expression. “What did you just say?”

Realizing his misstep, Jared quickly backtracked, “I’m sorry, Mr. Capulet.”

George valued talent but would never allow the Capulet Group to become reliant on any single individual.

Jared, sensing the tension, dared not say another word and prepared to leave.

Before he could exit, George added, “Book a restaurant for me and order the latest Cartier jewelry set.”