After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 240

Ruby Wagner, a member of Investment Department’s Team Seven, had become Louisa’s unofficial fangirl ever since the Oakridge Commons project where Louisa had pulled off that against–all–odds victory.

“You’re still hung up on Ms. Forbes?” someone shot Ruby an unforgiving eye–roll. “If the CEO actually liked

her, why would he be going on arranged dates with other women? Besides, he’s officially dating Ms. Foster

now. She’s the legitimate one–everyone else is just inappropriate.”

Ruby refused to back down, muttering under her breath “So that would make our team leader Mr. Tudor’s

mistress?”

“What did you expect? The official wife has to be from the same social circle. No matter how brilliant your Ms. Forbes is, without family connections or background, mistress is the best she could hope for. And

honestly? She should consider herself lucky to even get that position.”

Louisa normally wouldn’t care about office gossip, but since this directly involved her, she couldn’t help listening a bit longer. Hearing that last comment, she couldn’t contain a laugh.

The group startled. “What’s so funny?” someone asked.

Since Louisa had her back to them, they hadn’t seen her face. Only then did she turn around.

Everyone froze. Gossiping about someone’s private life fight in front of them? This was bad.

Especially since Louisa had just been promoted to Deputy Director and was heading the Special Projects Team–the assignment everyone in Investment was dying to join.

They’d normally be falling over themselves trying to impress her. And now they’d been caught red–handed

talking behind her back.

The break room fell dead silent.

“I’m sorry, Ms. Forbes,” Ruby finally broke the silence, “We were just-

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“It’s fine,” Louisa said coolly, taking a sip of her coffee fore continuing. “Carry on with your conversation.

I just came for coffee. Don’t mind me… please, continu”

Her tone remained neutral, but even so, no one dared speak up.

“Ms. Forbes, we’re really sorry,” Ruby eventually apologized again. “We shouldn’t have been gossiping about

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Chapter 240

you behind your back.”

“Yes, Ms. Forbes, we know we were wrong. Please don’t hold it against us.”

“Absolutely, we were completely out of line. It won’t happen again.”

Everyone rushed to apologize.

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Louisa smiled. “Gossip all you want–that’s your right. But could you maybe say something positive? Perhaps help clear things up by mentioning there’s nothing between the CEO and me? I’m neither his

woman nor his future mistress.”

Silence fell over the group. Who would believe that?

“Don’t worry, Ms. Forbes,” Ruby piped up. “If anyone gossips about you in the future, I’ll set them straight.”

The others gave her that “such a brownnoser” look.

Louisa just smiled. “Thank you.” Then, coffee in hand, she walked out.

Back in her office, Marlee followed her in. “Ms. Forbes, Mr. Young just sent down a notice asking you to finalize the Special Projects Team roster as soon as possible–preferably by tonight.”

“Why the sudden rush?” Louisa frowned.

Marlee shrugged. “He didn’t say.”

“The thing is,” Louisa’s brow furrowed with concern, “apart from our own team members, I don’t really know people from other teams. I honestly don’t know how to choose. Any suggestions?”

‘If we were doing this discreetly, it would be easier,” Marlee shook her head. “But now that it’s public knowledge, even if we tried to observe candidates, we probably wouldn’t see their true selves.”

“That’s a good point.”

“However, Mr. Young did mention that if you’re uncertain about personnel selections, you could consult with him. He might have some recommendations,” Marie quickly added.

Louisa gave her a resigned look. “Couldn’t you have mentioned that part first?”

Marlee just grinned and scurried out.

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Chapter 240

Louisa waited until the end of the workday before messaging Teddy, who happened to be free. So she grabbed the entire Investment Department roster and went up to see him.

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Teddy was organizing files in his office. The conference room lights were on, with the faint sound of voices

coming through.

“It’s after hours–is Mr. Tudor still in meetings?” Louisa casually asked.

“This meeting could have been avoided,” Teddy explained, “but since the CEO is heading to Virella

Highlands this weekend, he’s cramming all the weekend work into these few days.”

Louisa paused momentarily. Thinking back to what shed overheard in the break room hours earlier, so the

“date” was real.

It seemed Julian and Abigail had indeed made things official.

She gave a faint smile.

“You knew about Mr. Tudor going to Virella Highlands? Teddy asked, noticing her lack of surprise.

Then, with a knowing look, he teased, “Tell me, are you two planning a secret rendezvous?”

Louisa laughed. “There is a date happening, but not with me. It’s between Mr. Tudor and Ms. Foster.”

Teddy, who had been making her coffee, was so startled by her words that he splashed hot water onto his

arm.

He quickly shook it off, grabbed some tissues to wipe it up, and asked, “You’re joking, right? Mr. Tudor wouldn’t be dating Ms. Foster. Aren’t you two-”

“Stop right there!” Louisa cut him off. “It’s bad enough when others gossip about my personal life. Please

don’t join in.”

But Teddy still felt something was off. “How do you know about this when even I don’t?”

“I overheard some colleagues gossiping today,” Louisa plained. “Abigail posted on her blog about looking forward to the Virella Highlands trip. Isn’t it obvious? Actually, it makes sense–they’re from the same

social circle.”

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