After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 196

apter 196

Louisa froze mid–bite. Why did he bring it up again?

:

I’ll take responsibility for my actions,” Julian continued, his voice steady.

She was stunned. Just because of one kiss, he’d take responsibility? Surely that wasn’t what he meant?

When she cautiously looked up to gauge his reaction, she found herself caught in his intense gaze.

“Unlike you,” he said with an accusatory look, “I don’t just kiss people and walk away like some heartless player.”

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Louisa nearly jumped out of her seat, her face burning. “When have I ever kissed without taking responsibility? Mr. Tudor, you should be

careful with such accusations.”

“Need I remind you?” Julian countered. “First time in the car, second time at the elevator, third time in bed…”

“OKAY! OKAY!” She hastily made a stopping motion. “Those times weren’t intentional.”

Julian fell silent, just watching her. Something in his gaze made her uncomfortable enough to keep talking.

“Mr. Tudor, to be fair, last night was partly my fault. I knew they might try something else, but I didn’t check carefully enough and let you

drink that water.” She softened her tone.

“In that state, control was difficult. So it wasn’t your fault. Let’s not be old–fashioned about this, okay?

“It was just a kiss–let’s call it even. Don’t feel pressured. I really don’t need you to take responsibility, really…”

His eyes dimmed momentarily before a smile appeared. “Just joking. Are you always this jumpy?”

He picked up his knife and fork, eating with perfect elegance as Louisa exhaled deeply. He was joking. That was a relief.

A relief indeed.

By the time they finished breakfast, it was already ten–thirty. The inspection ceremony had been rescheduled for eleven o’clock.

When they arrived, Louisa noticed Saul was nowhere to be found.

Cedric explained that the old bastard had suffered acute gastroenteritis from something he ate the night before and had left with his

entourage.

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Chapter 196

Julian offered no comment, but Louisa smirked knowingly. Clearly Jannine had passed along her message, and the old man had used

illness as an excuse for an early departure.

With Julian as the only VIP remaining, the inspection proceeded smoothly. Surrounded by staff, he toured the resort and completed the

ceremonial proceedings without incident.

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By five o’clock, it was time to head back. Louisa opened the right rear door for Julian, who got in but slid over to the left side–his

intention obvious.

In response, however, the door slammed shut with considerable force. Louisa had taken the front passenger seat instead.

The driver looked bewildered as Julian stared at Louisa’s back, his expression cooling. “Sit in the back.”

“The mountain roads are tricky,” she replied with exaggerated seriousness. “I’ll help keep an eye on the route.”

Julian fell silent as the atmosphere in the car quickly became oppressive.

“Ms. Forbes, it’s really not necessary,” the driver quickly said, nearly in tears at being caught in their tension. “These mountain roads are smooth, and I know them well. There’s no danger.”

Left with no choice, Louisa returned to the back seat, pressing herself against the right door to maintain as much distance as possible

from Julian.

Having slept poorly and worked all day, she was exhausted, but fear of another incident kept her rigidly upright and fighting sleep.

The air in the car felt so suffocating that the driver eventually opened a window for ventilation.

As they reached the bottom of the mountain, Julian’s phone rang. After the call, he instructed, “Change of plans. We’re going to the Obsidian Crown Club first, not the airport.”

Louisa glanced at her watch–already past six. Would they still make it back tonight?

Julian noticed her gesture. “If you find this trip too inconvenient, you’re welcome to return ahead of me.”

Louisa stiffened. What did he mean? She had been filling in for Teddy this entire trip with complete dedication. Was he blaming her for failing to stop Saul’s final trick?

“Fine,” she replied submissively. “Since Mr. Tudor has given permission, I’ll head back first.”

Her words effectively ended the conversation.

Julian didn’t speak to her again for the rest of the journey as the atmosphere grew even more tense.

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Chapter 196

Over an hour later, the car arrived at the Obsidian Crown Club. Julian and Louisa got out simultaneously.

Louisa went straight to retrieve her luggage. “Enjoy your time with your friend, Mr. Tudor. I’ll be heading back now,” she said neutrally.

“Go ahead,” came his cold reply.

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She nodded without another word and began wheeling her luggage away. Unexpectedly, after just one rotation of the wheels, her suitcase

suddenly stopped.

Turning around, she saw Julian’s hand firmly pressed against her luggage.

“Are you really leaving?” he asked, looking directly at her.

“Wasn’t that what you told me to do?”

“If I asked you to stay, would you?”

Louisa fell silent. Was his personality always this changeable?

Julian gazed down at her, his voice low and husky. “Will you accept my apology? I shouldn’t have lost my temper with you.”

She was bewildered. The CEO of the Tudor Group was apologizing to her? She was merely an employee—this minor incident wasn’t worth getting upset about.

“Mr. Tudor, you’re being too formal,” she smiled lightly. “Someone of your status can afford to lose your temper with anyone in the world.”

Julian fell silent, her subtle dig cutting surprisingly deep. After a moment, he replied, “From now on, that anyone in the world‘ doesn’t

include you.”

Louisa was stunned. Why would he say something so strange to her?

“Are you still angry with me?” he asked, his gaze intense but his expression unexpectedly gentle.

On the third floor, a handsome man leaned against the railing, smoking while watching the scene below with great interest.

How strange–in all his years, he’d never seen Julian yield to a woman like this.

He quickly snapped a photo with his phone and shared it to a group chat titled “Julian’s Dating Progress.”

The image immediately caused a sensation.

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He was selectively reading responses when Louisa turned her face upward. The man caught sight of her face and felt as if he’d been struck

by lightning.

That face…

His phone clattered to the ground.

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