After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 226

Louisa brought the water bowl closer, running her fingers along its edge as she examined it.

Green sprouts had emerged throughout what had been lifeless bundle of hay, now poised on the verge of

blooming. Like a tiny miracle.

She remembered there hadn’t been any signs of flowering last night. She’d been convinced the plant would

never survive, yet here it was, actually growing.

A small thrill of excitement ran through her. Without overthinking it, she grabbed the bowl and headed out

to Julian’s door.

When no one answered her knock, disappointment settled in. Had he gone to sleep already?

She turned to head back to her own place, but just as she pivoted, the door behind her opened.

She turned to find Julian standing there in his bathrobe water still dripping from his hair–the picture of

male beauty fresh from the shower.

Her mind involuntarily flashed back to a few days ago at the resort, when he’d been lounging in the

bathtub wearing that same robe…

Julian noticed her distracted expression and raised an eyebrow, as if he knew exactly what she was

thinking.

He didn’t rush, just leaned lazily against the doorframe with elegant nonchalance, regarding her with an

almost–smile.

A droplet of water rolled down from his hair, falling on his bathrobe collar where it disappeared into the

fabric.

Then another drop… She seemed transfixed, her mind conjuring images beyond her control. What on earth was she thinking? She quickly shook her head to clear

“Ms. Forbes, what exactly are you thinking about?” Julian’s smile deepened when she finally met his eyes-

met the knowing amusement and deeper meaning in his gaze.

Her cheeks flushed. “Um, sorry if I disturbed you. I’ll head back.”

“Come back.”

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Chapter 226

“Oh.” She obediently turned around again.

“What did you need?” he asked.

Louisa hurriedly showed him the water bowl. “The Rose of Jericho–it should bloom tonight…”

Julian paused, surprised. So she wanted to watch the flower bloom with him?

His expression softened as he took the bowl from her. “Come in.”

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He placed the bowl on the coffee table beneath the living room window and told her, “I have some work to finish up. Make yourself at home,” before changing into comfortable loungewear and returning to his study.

Waiting for a flower to bloom proved boring. She sat on the couch, occasionally scrolling through her

phone.

A plate of gleaming, freshly–washed grapes sat on the table. She picked it up and placed it on her lap to

snack on.

The apartment was quiet except for the rhythmic sound of waves outside and the crisp tapping of keyboard

keys from the study.

It felt inappropriate for her, a subordinate, to be sitting here eating while her boss worked. After some thought, she set down the grapes and walked toward his study.

The door wasn’t closed. She peeked in quietly.

The light in the study cast a warm, intimate glow.

Julian sat at his desk facing the computer screen, his profile outlined in sharp relief–focused and captivating. His long fingers resting on the keyboard looked like the most perfect sculpture ever created.

She found herself staring, lost in the sight. She had to admit, her boss was genuinely handsome-

possessing an elegant, almost feminine beauty.

Every gesture exuded grace and an irresistible magnetism.

“Come in.” His rich, pleasant voice suddenly broke the silence.

She snapped back to awareness. How did he know she was there when he hadn’t even glanced toward the

door?

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Chapter 226

Only when she walked in did his eyes leave the screen. Why were you spying on me?”

Louisa’s face instantly reddened. “I wasn’t spying! I was just… just wondering if you needed any help.”

Julian’s lips curved into a subtle smile, his voice softening, “Come here.”

Assuming he had a task for her, Louisa walked around the desk without thinking twice.

Unexpectedly, he reached out and grabbed her arm. The next moment, she tumbled onto his lap.

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Startled, her first instinct was to push away. But as he lowered his head and their eyes met, she forgot to

resist.

“Tell me, why were you watching me?” he looked at her with amused eyes, his voice both gentle and

commanding, making her weak–kneed.

Louisa’s face grew hotter as she tried to avoid his penetrating gaze. But those deep eyes were like

mysterious whirlpools, drawing her in until she had nowhere to hide.

Cornered, she finally admitted, “Fine–because you look good, okay?”

“Is that so?” Julian’s smile intensified, his tone impossibly gentle. “How good?”

“Can you forgive my lack of vocabulary?” Her face was completely flushed. She truly didn’t know how to

describe it.

Julian laughed. “Since you find me so appealing, I’ll give you permission to look openly–no need for spying

anymore.”

Louisa was mortified. Who forces someone to look at them like this? She wanted to push him away, but her

arms had no strength. Her entire body felt weak and powerless.

Perhaps it had been too long since she’d been with a man…

Noting her crimson cheeks, Julian asked, “Are you hungy?”

“Hun–hungry… not hungry…” She was stammering now.

“Which is it–hungry or not hungry?” he chuckled softly

“Not hungry! Not hungry! I’m not hungry!” She desperately hoped he wasn’t thinking about taking her to

bed…

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Chapter 226

Julian responded with a slightly disappointed, “All right

Louisa was on the verge of a breakdown. Why did he sound disappointed?

She tentatively asked, “Are you hungry?”

“Yes, I am rather hungry,” he admitted.

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R Visitor

nothing has happened between them and its just dragging on

7 days ago

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