Of course I’m sure,” Wallace replied. “I found them myself. Don’t you trust me?
Julian let out a short laugh. “Tine. I owe you one this time.”
民国
“I certainly won’t be shy about collecting, Wallace said. “But seriously, are you really planning to send Vivian to prison this time? When she stabbed you before, you couldn’t have cared less. Why are you suddenly out for blood?”
Julian gave him an unreadable look, offering no response.
But years of friendship had taught Wallace to read between the lines. “Oh, I get it. Someone’s not happy about the situation, right? Our Mr. Tudor’s making moves to cheer up his girlfriend.”
Julian neither acknowledged nor denied Wallace’s assumption.
When they reached the door, Wallace gestured for Julian to enter. Julian thanked him and went inside.
Seated in the room was a woman with white hair and a haggard face, appearing to be in her fifties.
Upon seeing Julian, she stared blankly for a long moment before her eyes suddenly reddened. “My son… he was handsome like you.”
Julian smiled politely. “Thank you for the compliment.”
What they discussed remained private.
Meanwhile, on the terrace, Louisa sipped her drink with her head propped on one hand, listening to the “legends” about herself being spun below–dramatic, articulate tales that almost seemed believable if she weren’t the subject.
The stories varied wildly.
Most claimed she possessed extraordinary bedroom skills. The most outlandish suggested she knew an ancient seduction technique that could bewitch men into mindless devotion.
Flora and Rachel had been consoling her at first, but as the stories continued, they actually started discussing going downstairs to hear
more firsthand.
Louisa gave them a cool look. “Go ahead if you want to.”
“Don’t be like that! We would never betray you,” Flora protested, her bright eyes wide. “We’re just curious. Seriously, Louisa, have you been hiding some secret talents from us?”
17:12 Fri, Jan 2 a
Chapter 211
Exactly!” Rachel chimed in. “If you’ve got some special tricks, don’t keep them to yourself. Share with us; we’re your friends!”
Louisa was at a loss for words. Are you two finished?”
She wanted to change the subject before she had a heart attack.
420
She turned to Flora. ‘I’ve been meaning to ask what’s going on with you. You haven’t been answering my calls or messages. What’s kept
you so busy?”
Flora waved dismissively. “Let’s not talk about my boring problems. I’m way more interested in Ms. Forbes’s ‘seduction techniques.”
Louisa fell silent.
She glanced toward the crowd and spotted Wallace, who had returned. As the host of the Morgan family’s soirée, he was understandably
busy.
Still, there was no sign of Julian.
“Flora, do you know who the mystery guest Wallace invited tonight is?” Louisa asked.
“Isn’t it your Mr. Tudor?”
Louisa gave up trying to correct the “your” part. “Besides him?”
Flora thought for a moment. “Other than him, I don’t think there is anyone. Wallace is so particular–the only person he’d consider important enough would be your-*
“Stop right there!” Louisa cut her off.
Flora and Rachel exchanged knowing smiles. “Aww, our Louisa is such a shy girl.”
Louisa’s heart sank again.
She knew about Flora and Wallace’s relationship–they’d grown up together.
If even Flora didn’t know about this guest, they must be not only important but also someone who needed to remain hidden. Quite
mysterious.
What kind of VIP would be so exclusive that even Julian needed Wallace’s help to meet them?
Flora waved a hand in front of Louisa’s face. “If you can’t figure it out, don’t stress about it.”
“I’m getting hungry, Rachel announced. “Should we grab something to eat?”
17:12 Fri, Jan 2
Chapter 211
“Let’s go, Flora agreed.
Louisa nodded.
220
They made their way to the buffet area, which featured an impressive–almost intimidating–array of elegant dishes spread across several
tables.
They took small portions and settled in the lounge area to eat.
While they ate, Louisa checked her phone. She’d messaged Sadie before the event and still hadn’t received a reply.
Was she really that busy?
Not wanting to disturb her, but worried Sadie might be taking risks on her behalf, Louisa decided to call.
Sadie answered, her voice hushed but unable to hide her excitement. “Louisa, I have amazing news–absolutely fantastic news!
“I’ve got a lead on evidence that will destroy that bitch Vivian. This time, no one can save her. She’s finished.
“I’ll bring the evidence to you tonight. Just sit tight and wait for me. Gotta mute my phone now.”
She hung up before Louisa could respond.
Louisa frowned. A lead on evidence, but she didn’t have it yet?
Could Sadie be in actual danger?
Remembering George’s threats from yesterday, genuine concern washed over her. She couldn’t sit still.
Fortunately, after the incident when George had abducted her, she and Sadie had installed location–tracking apps on each other’s phones. If they lost contact, they could still find each other.
As she opened the tracking app, she said to Flora and Rachel, “I need to leave early. Something’s come up. We’ll get together another
time.”
“What’s wrong?” Flora asked, noting Louisa’s serious expression. “Is it Sadie?”
Louisa glanced at her.
The three of them had been inseparable since college, facing every danger together. But this time, she’d already involved Sadie; she couldn’t put Flora in harm’s way too.
Before she could make an excuse, Flora stood up. “I’m coming with you. Damn it, if someone’s messing with our friend, they’ll have to deal
with me too.”
374
17:12 Fri, Jan 2
Chapter 211
Count me in,” Rachel said, also rising to her feet.
Seeing them ready to throw down, Louisa hesitated briefly before agreeing. “Alright, we’ll go together. But don’t do anything rash.”
“Fine, fine. We’ll follow your lead.”
The three headed toward the elevator.
As they walked, Louisa messaged Julian, asking to borrow Noah. The bodyguard seemed skilled enough to intimidate potential threats.
Less than a minute after sending the text, Julian called her.
She’d messaged rather than called to avoid interrupting his business, but he called anyway. A warm feeling spread through her chest as
she answered. “Mr. Tudor.”
“You want to borrow Noah, but not me?” His deep voice was dangerously alluring.
“Aren’t you in the middle of something important?” Louisa asked.
Through the phone, she heard what sounded like a soft laugh. His tone was gentle. “Meet me at the entrance.”
Comments
✩ 3
Lucia Morh is a passionate storyteller who brings emotions to life through her words. When she’s not writing, she finds peace nurturing her garden.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms