After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 198

“That old fox knows I’ve been investigating,” Nicholas continued. “He’s watching me carefully. I’m just a figurehead heir–everyone in the company is loyal to him. Nobody dares tell me the truth.

“But I’ve managed to unconver some things. My father was a business genius with incredible commercial instincts.

“He believed the syndicate lifestyle wasn’t sustainable long–term. The year my mother was pregnant with my sister, he planned to go

legitimate.”

Nicholas’s voice softened. “He loved that unborn daughter so much.”

“But Gareth opposed my father’s transformation plans and plotted to seize the Getty Syndicate.

“Back then, Dominic and Owen were both my father’s subordinates. They joined forces with Gareth and drugged my father with a newly developed poison. He suffered an entire night of agony.”

His expression darkened. “Four bodyguards tried to rescue him. I don’t know exactly what happened, but by the next day, all four guards and my father were consumed by fire, reduced to ashes.

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“They wanted to eliminate me too–cut the grass and remove the roots–but my grandparents protected me.” His voice cracked slightly.

“My poor sister. My mother fled with her but couldn’t escape their pursuit. To avoid their abuse, she jumped into the sea.”

As he finished, he closed his eyes tightly, his face etched with grief.

Louisa felt a sudden, sharp pain in her chest, almost robbing her of breath. She pressed her hand against her heart.

Julian noticed immediately. “What’s wrong? Are you feeling ill?”

She shook her head. “It’s nothing. I’m better now.” The pain had been like a needle stab, but it had passed.

Julian nodded and turned to Nicholas. “Regarding your parents, stop investigating for now. It’s too dangerous–they might join forces against you. Wait it out. Gareth wouldn’t help them without getting something in return. There must be an exchange of interests.”

“What could they possibly exchange?” Nicholas asked.

“Either Owen or Dominic alone might not have anything valuable to offer, but if their families unite, that changes the equation.”

Nicholas looked confused. “Aren’t those two families feuding?”

Julian laughed coldly. “There are no eternal enemies in this world. They’re all old foxes—wouldn’t you allow them a desperate alliance when cornered?”

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Chapter 198

“Goddamn it!” Nicholas cursed, his anger transforming into a helpless, bitter laugh.

He suddenly turned to Louisa. “Ms. Forbes, I hear you’re something of a prodigy, hired by Mr. Tudor at a premium salary. What’s your take

on all this?”

Caught off guard, Louisa hesitated. This was either a blood feud between powerful families or simply family business–either way, was it

appropriate for her to comment?

“Go ahead,” Nicholas encouraged. “Tell us what you think.”

After a moment’s silence, she replied, “I agree with Mr. Tudor. What loyalty could exist in such self–interested alliances? Their coalition is

far from unbreakable.

“The current situation doesn’t favor you, so perhaps it’s best to wait and observe. Everyone has weaknesses. When necessary, you could use divide–and–conquer tactics or let them destroy each other.”

Nicholas was stunned. Finally, he laughed incredulously and looked at Julian. “Mr. Tudor, your little assistant is even more ruthless than

you are.”

Julian gave him a meaningful look. “Perhaps it runs in her blood?”

Nicholas kicked his chair. “Can we have a pleasant conversation or not?”

Louisa remained silent, confused about how the conversation had suddenly shifted to her, with them discussing her as if she weren’t

present.

She excused herself to use the restroom. Although the private room had its own facilities, she wanted some fresh air.

Julian watched her leave with an indulgent smile.

Nicholas observed his expression. “Can’t bear to be apart for even a moment? Don’t tell me you’ve actually fallen for her? That Rose of Jericho you had me search for–was it for her?”

Julian didn’t deny it.

Nicholas pondered this. “But that doesn’t make sense. Didn’t you have someone irreplaceable in your heart?”

Suddenly, his eyes widened in shock. “Wait–is she the woman you’ve been pining for these five years?”

“Yes,” Julian confirmed simply.

“Holy shit!”

Nicholas began circling Julian, practically bouncing with excitement.

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“Can you calm down?” Julian asked, exasperated.

Impossible! This is monumental news–we need champagne to celebrate!”

“Celebrate what? She doesn’t like me back.” His voice was flat.

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Nicholas was shocked again, then incredulous. “No way! You’re actually experiencing rejection? Tell me everything! Did you confess? How

did she turn you down? Did you cry? Come on, let me enjoy this moment!”

He grew increasingly gleeful at this unprecedented opportunity to tease Julian.

Julian shot him a withering look. “Shut up. Say one more word and I’ll cut out your tongue.”

Nicholas was too delighted to care, practically rolling with laughter.

When Louisa returned, she found Nicholas doubled over with mirth.

Had she walked into the wrong room? She’d only been gone for a bathroom break–how had Nicholas transformed from gloomy to

ecstatic?

She’d heard of joy turning to sorrow, but never sorrow turning to such uncontrollable joy. Had Julian told some joke that amused him so

much?

Nicholas ignored her confused look and continued laughing breathlessly. He patted the chair beside him. “Come, Louisa, my dear, sit

here.”

Louisa remained silent. Why was he suddenly so familiar with her? Was something wrong with him?

She glanced questioningly at Julian, only to see him glaring at Nicholas with enough cold intensity to turn him to ice.

Louisa thought to herself: So she was just a prop in their lovers‘ game.

Nicholas, unfazed by Julian’s glare, beckoned her again. “Don’t be afraid of him. Come, sit here.”

Reluctantly, but with strong self–preservation instincts, she sat down–leaving an empty chair between herself and Nicholas.

He didn’t seem to mind. Looking at her with a smile, he asked, “Ms. Forbes, you’re 27 this year, aren’t you?”

Louisa nodded, unsure of his intention. “Yes.” His estimate was impressively accurate.

Nicholas sighed deeply. “My poor sister, if she were alive, would be about your age now…”