After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 20

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

**Chapter 20**

George felt a surge of urgency wash over him. He couldn’t allow Louisa’s dedication and effort to go unnoticed or unappreciated; he needed to find a way to mend the rift that had formed between them. The thought of losing her, especially after all they had been through, left a bitter taste in his mouth.

Without wasting another moment, he sprang into action, determined to confront the issue head-on.

However, when they finally wrapped up their tasks and made their way to the marketing department, a wave of disappointment hit him. The space was eerily empty, devoid of the usual hustle and bustle.

Louisa, sensing that this might be her final opportunity to gather her team, made an impromptu decision to treat everyone to dinner.

George’s expression soured instantly. Was she really making decisions without consulting him again? It felt like a slap in the face, a reminder of the distance that was growing between them.

As they sat down for dinner, the atmosphere was surprisingly cheerful, laughter and chatter filling the air. Yet, beneath the surface, George could see the glint of sadness in his colleagues’ eyes.

Louisa, ever the optimist, tried to lighten the mood, “What’s going on, everyone? I’m treating you to the seafood feast you’ve all been dreaming about, and yet, you’re all looking like you just lost a game!”

After a brief pause, someone finally broke the silence, asking hesitantly, “Ms. Forbes, are you really not coming back?”

“Well, you know what they say, all good things must come to an end. We all have to carve our own paths eventually,” Louisa replied, her voice steady but tinged with an undercurrent of emotion.

“Then, Ms. Forbes, wherever you go, can I come with you?” a voice piped up, hopeful and earnest.

“Yeah, Ms. Forbes, take me too!” another chimed in, and soon everyone was echoing the sentiment, their voices rising in a chorus of longing.

Louisa felt a tight knot form in her chest. She was torn; these people were more than just colleagues—they were her team, her last refuge of warmth in the often cold and corporate world of the Capulet Group.

She took a deep breath, her heart heavy with the weight of her decision. “Look, you’ve all put in so much effort here at the Capulet Group. Each of you has your own projects, and you’re earning solid bonuses every month. Walking away from all of this would be a shame, wouldn’t it?”

“Plus,” she continued, her tone shifting to something more serious, “starting fresh somewhere else, would a modest salary really be enough to support your families?”

The room fell into a contemplative silence. The reality of her words sank in, and the gravity of their situation hung heavily in the air.

It wasn’t until the last remnants of dinner were being cleared that someone finally mustered the courage to ask, “So, Ms. Forbes, where are you planning to go?”

Louisa hesitated, her mind racing. “I haven’t decided yet,” she replied, carefully omitting any mention of the Tudor Group.

After all, her abrupt transition to the Capulet Group had thrown the Tudor Group’s project into disarray, and whether she could even keep that position was still uncertain.

“Ms. Forbes,” someone ventured, “have you considered the Tudor Group? They’re in Silverlight City, and they operate in the same field, but in some ways, they’re ahead of us.”

“Yeah, I heard the CEO of the Tudor Group is quite the looker. Working under a boss like that would be a treat, just to see him every day!” another added, laughter bubbling up again.

The conversation shifted back to Julian, and Louisa fell silent, her thoughts swirling. She remembered that she needed to clarify her situation with him.

Pulling out her phone, she quickly typed a message: [I can’t make it for now.]

The prestigious Tudor Group was a place where countless individuals would do anything to secure a position, and here she was, contemplating walking away from them.

She braced herself for the repercussions, expecting to be fired any moment.

But his response arrived swiftly: [Handle the Capulet Group’s matters first, no rush.]

Louisa’s heart skipped a beat. Did this mean he was willing to hold her position for her?

A thought flickered through her mind, prompting her to ask: [Did you foresee the issues at the Capulet Group?]

Julian’s reply was succinct: [Yes.]

Louisa felt a wave of astonishment wash over her. Was Julian some sort of visionary?

The atmosphere was a mix of tipsiness and camaraderie, with everyone standing around, waiting for cabs or calling for rides.

Someone turned to Louisa, asking, “Ms. Forbes, how are you getting home?”

“I didn’t drink, so I can drive myself,” she replied, her tone firm and resolute.

As the group began to disperse, she made her way toward her car.

Suddenly, a car horn blared from the side of the road, pulling her attention.

She turned to see George waiting, his expression a mix of impatience and concern. “Get in!” he called out, his tone brokering no argument.

Louisa hesitated. She wasn’t keen on getting into his car, not after everything that had transpired.

But Jared, ever the peacemaker, stepped in and snatched her car keys. “Mrs. Capulet, I’ll drive your car back. You should go home with Mr. Capulet. He’s been waiting for you for quite some time.”

With no other option, Louisa reluctantly climbed into George’s car.

“Why didn’t you tell me about the dinner?” he asked, his voice laced with frustration.

“I forgot,” she replied nonchalantly, trying to keep her tone light.

George suppressed his irritation, instead placing an elegant shopping bag on her lap. “A little something for you from Cartier.”

Louisa opened the bag, revealing two luxurious boxes—one containing a stunning necklace and the other a pair of exquisite earrings.

She glanced at them briefly before placing them back in the bag, her expression unreadable.

George frowned, concern knitting his brow. “Don’t you like them?”