After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 2

**Clocks Lie To Hearts by Asa River Flint**
**Chapter 2**

Louisa came to an abrupt halt, her feet frozen in place, refusing to turn around and face the scene unfolding behind her. The sight was enough to churn her stomach.

Vivian, standing nearby, was visibly irritated, her annoyance bubbling over as she watched George’s unwavering attention fixated solely on Louisa. With a petulant pout that seemed almost rehearsed, she exclaimed, “George, didn’t you promise I could represent your company at the Taylor Group signing this afternoon? I arrived early to get a grasp on your project. Aren’t you even slightly moved by my efforts?”

In a tone that dripped with entitlement, she then directed her ire at Louisa, barking, “Ms. Forbes, fetch the project documents and contracts.”

Instantly, Louisa’s face hardened, her expression transforming into a mask of icy disdain.

Ignoring Vivian’s rude command as if it were nothing but an annoying buzzing insect, she turned her gaze squarely on George. Her eyes, usually warm and inviting, were now devoid of any affection. “You’re handing my project over to her?”

Did he truly have no idea of the sacrifices she had made for this project?

Just a month prior, when George had been determined to secure the Taylor Group’s AI project, the entire marketing department had rallied behind him, only to face a disheartening failure.

Eventually, they had come crawling to her, pleading for her assistance.

Without a moment’s hesitation, she had taken on the challenge, driven by a fierce determination.

To clinch the deal, she had pushed herself to the brink, drinking until her stomach rebelled against her.

When the CEO of the Taylor Group had faced a family crisis, with his mother falling gravely ill, Louisa had devoted herself to the hospital for thirteen relentless days, providing care and support until she finally secured the project.

And now, here he was, casually handing it over to his little mistress?

While she might have been prepared to let him go, the career she had painstakingly built was not something she could simply relinquish.

George’s expression darkened, a storm brewing behind his eyes, but instead of responding to her, he turned to Vivian. “Wait outside,” he commanded, his voice firm.

“Why should I? You’re the CEO of The Capulet Group—since when do you owe explanations to a mere secretary?” she retorted, crossing her arms defiantly.

“I said, wait outside.” His voice took on a chilling edge, leaving no room for argument.

Feeling the weight of his authority, Vivian’s bravado crumbled. She shot Louisa a venomous glare before storming out, leaving only George and Louisa in the office.

He closed the door behind her, the sound echoing in the suddenly quiet space. Approaching her, he adopted a serious tone, “Don’t misunderstand me. There’s nothing between Vivian and me. She’s the heiress of the Price family, and I have a project with her brother, Caden Price, which has required us to spend time together.”

Cheating was one thing, but hiding behind the guise of business dealings was an entirely different betrayal.

Did he honestly believe he was concealing it well?

Louisa let out a cold laugh, tilting her head back to meet his gaze. “If you’re working with the Price Group, you only need to deal with Caden… unless you’re implying that he won’t collaborate with you unless you entertain his sister?”

George’s tone, which had softened for a fleeting moment, hardened once again. “Louisa, I’m trying to explain myself. Must you always be so sarcastic?”

For a moment, Louisa fell silent, contemplating her next words. Finally, she nodded, her voice calm yet firm, “Fine, let’s set that aside for now. But what’s this about giving away the project I fought so hard to secure?”

He replied, “I’m not giving it to her. Her brother wants her to gain some experience, and the Taylor Group project is already finalized—all that’s left is the signing. I’m allowing her to handle the signing as a courtesy to Caden. You will still receive your bonus. Can’t you just do this once for The Capulet Group—for us?”

He stepped closer, seemingly intending to embrace her as he often did, but Louisa recoiled, creating distance between them. She had hoped to navigate this final month peacefully before they parted ways.

But now…

Her tone returned to its characteristic frostiness. “Sure, I can let her have this one, or perhaps even more.”

Louisa gazed at him, her heart heavy yet strangely amused by his impatience. A man’s heart could shift so rapidly, like a leaf caught in a gust of wind.

Without uttering another word, she turned on her heel and left his office, her mind made up.

By two in the afternoon, she learned that Vivian had gone to the Taylor Group alone, armed with the project contracts.

George had intended to accompany her but had to cancel at the last moment due to an unforeseen issue.

Louisa found herself unconcerned by the turn of events. After all, if she was letting go of George himself, what did one project matter in the grand scheme of things?

With a steely resolve, she let it go.

She gathered her belongings and left the office before the workday concluded, her heart pounding with a mix of anxiety and relief.

Driving aimlessly through the bustling streets, she watched the people around her, feeling a peculiar emptiness within her, as if she were adrift with no destination in mind.

Eventually, she found herself at the doorstep of her good friend, Sadie Watson.

Sadie, a sharp-witted lawyer, had previously assisted Louisa in drafting her divorce agreement.

Upon hearing Louisa’s decision to resign, Sadie’s face lit up with enthusiasm. “If you ask me, you should have quit that job ages ago! Do you even realize who you are? A business school prodigy, a commercial genius!

“If it hadn’t been for your spectacular presentation at that world-renowned summit, securing the project that every corporation was clamoring for, would The Capulet Group have gone public in just a few short years and reached the pinnacle of the industry?

“And now he’s burning bridges? Trying to clip your wings? Making a business genius stay home to wash his clothes and cook his meals? Has he lost his mind or been kicked by a mule?”