After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 28

**Clocks Lie To Hearts by Asa River Flint**
**Chapter 28**

The atmosphere in the auction house was electric, a palpable tension hanging in the air as everyone raised their paddles in eager anticipation.

In a mere span of ten minutes, a timeworn tome, its pages frayed and cover battered by the weight of history, had catapulted from a modest $800,000 to an astonishing $10 million.

A myriad of attendees, their eyes glimmering with desire, longed to possess the book but were acutely aware of their financial constraints. They hesitated, unwilling to venture beyond their limits.

Then, in a decisive moment, George’s paddle shot up, “Twenty million dollars!” he declared, his voice cutting through the murmurs like a knife.

Teddy, unyielding and determined, countered with a confident, “Thirty million dollars!”

George’s brow furrowed, a storm brewing behind his eyes as he retorted, “Fifty million!”

Teddy’s lips curled into a faint smile, his confidence unwavering, “Eighty million dollars!”

The rest of the crowd fell silent, entranced by the fierce tug-of-war unfolding between the two men, as if they were witnessing a gladiatorial match in an arena.

George clenched his jaw, frustration radiating from him as he escalated the bid to an eye-watering $100 million.

Teddy, undeterred, pressed on, his competitive spirit ignited.

George mirrored his escalation, and the tension in the room thickened.

Louisa stood off to the side, her eyes wide with disbelief at the spectacle before her. She stole a glance at George, whose fierce gaze met hers, a look that made her heart skip a beat. Why was he glaring at her? Had she inadvertently crossed some invisible line?

But she quickly dismissed the thought, choosing not to engage with his inexplicable hostility.

The price of the ancient book soared ever higher, far surpassing any reasonable valuation, yet the bids continued to climb, driven by an insatiable hunger for possession.

When the bidding reached a staggering $150 million, Teddy’s confidence faltered. A glance at his boss revealed a mix of anxiety and disbelief; the book had already spiraled well beyond the budget.

The auctioneer, practically vibrating with excitement, announced, “One hundred fifty million dollars once! One hundred fifty million dollars twice! One hundred fifty million dollars…”

Suddenly, a voice sliced through the tension—Julian, his tone cool and collected, called out, “Two hundred million dollars!”

The room erupted in gasps, the atmosphere shifting dramatically at his bold declaration.

George’s expression morphed into one of sheer shock.

He prided himself on being a rational thinker; after all, how could a mere book justify such a princely sum? He had always believed Julian would share his perspective, yet here was Julian, bidding without a hint of hesitation for a relic steeped in antiquity.

No one dared to challenge Julian’s financial prowess; it was a battle they knew they could not win.

In the end, the ancient book became Julian’s for the staggering price of $200 million.

Vivian, who had come with the sole intention of acquiring that very book, felt her world tilt on its axis. She seethed with anger, convinced that Louisa had somehow snatched her prize away.

As the heiress of the Price family, she had never been subjected to such indignities.

Her gaze fixed on Louisa, filled with venom and resentment, as if she could will her to disintegrate with sheer willpower.

Louisa caught the look but simply shrugged it off, her lips curling into a disinterested smirk, refusing to let Vivian’s rage affect her.

Once the auction concluded, Louisa and Julian exited the hall together, the tension still crackling in the air.

Julian gestured for Teddy to fetch the car, then turned to Louisa, his voice steady, “I’ll take you home.”

Louisa hesitated, shaking her head. “No need, you must be busy. I can just grab a cab.”

Julian’s response was immediate and firm, “I brought you here; it’s only right that I take you back.”

His reasoning left no room for argument.

At that moment, someone approached Julian, pulling his attention away.

Not wanting to intrude on their conversation, Louisa excused herself, heading toward the restroom. Upon exiting, she unexpectedly collided with Vivian.

Old grudges intertwined with new grievances, and Vivian could no longer contain her fury. She stormed forward, her voice a sharp blade, “Louisa, you’ve taken my things time and again. What’s your deal?”

Julian shot him a cold glance. “Are you interested in other people’s family drama?”

“No!” Teddy quickly shook his head, “I just think Ms. Forbes is too pitiful.”

Julian remained silent, his gaze drifting back to the proud and defiant figure in the distance, his thoughts deep and contemplative.

Ultimately, Louisa stood her ground, refusing to apologize to Vivian.

Under George’s dark and furious gaze, she calmly walked over to Julian, as if nothing had transpired.

“I’m sorry you had to witness that,” she said, her voice steady.

Julian nodded slightly, “Let’s go.”

During the drive, she remained silent, leaning against the car window, her eyes drifting over the passing scenery, her expression devoid of emotion.

As they approached her home, Julian produced the ancient book, its pages whispering secrets of the past, and handed it to her. “This is for you.”

Louisa’s eyes widened in surprise, her mind racing as she quickly shook her head. “No, it’s too valuable.”

Julian, seemingly unfazed by her protests, replied calmly, “Only in the right hands can it reach its full potential. I’m doing this for my company’s benefit. Don’t overthink it.”

Louisa found herself at a loss for words, unable to reject his offer. Her gaze fell upon the ancient book, now worth $200 million, an insatiable curiosity igniting within her. She longed to delve into its pages, her heart racing at the thought.

Julian feigned indifference, saying, “Don’t want it? Then forget it!”

He pretended to reclaim the book, his expression teasing.

Louisa, caught off guard, quickly grasped one end of the tome, her eyes locking with his. “How about you lend it to me for a couple of days? Even just one day would be fine. I really want to read it.”

Julian’s demeanor remained calm, a hint of amusement dancing in his eyes as his eyebrows arched slightly.

Louisa, sensing the moment slipping away, quickly added, “I’ll treat you to dinner.”