After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 29

**Chapter 29**

“Alright, a dinner it is,” Julian declared, releasing his grip.

Louisa, however, was oblivious to his words; her entire being was absorbed in the ancient book cradled in her hands. The way her fingers glided over its worn cover was tender, as if she were handling the most exquisite treasure.

Julian observed her, a subtle smile curling at the corners of his mouth. The atmosphere around them was tranquil, a cocoon of serenity that seemed to shield them from the world outside.

But that peace was abruptly shattered by a cacophony of loud, furious honks. Louisa jumped, her heart racing as she turned to peer out the window.

Julian followed her gaze, and there he was—George.

In the stillness of the night, the tension between them crackled like electricity. Their eyes locked in a fierce confrontation; one radiated fury while the other remained as frigid as ice.

Yet, Julian’s voice broke through the tension with a gentle tone. “You should go back,” he suggested, concern etched on his face.

Louisa nodded, her heart heavy. She thanked him once more, her voice barely above a whisper, and stepped out of the car.

George emerged as well, his glare piercing through the darkness, his eyes blazing with unbridled anger.

Louisa chose to ignore him, focusing instead on the path leading to the house.

George, however, was relentless, trailing closely behind her.

As they crossed the threshold, he slammed the door shut with a resounding thud.

“Louisa, what the hell is this?” he demanded, his voice a low growl.

“What do you mean?” Louisa shot back, her gaze icy as she met his challenge.

“Why were you at the auction? And what’s going on between you and Julian?”

“Nothing,” she dismissed him curtly, her resolve firm as she turned to ascend the stairs.

But George was not about to let it go. In a fit of rage, he lunged forward, snatching the book from her grasp, his eyes narrowing into slits of fury. “Nothing, huh? Then why would he give you something so expensive? If you wanted it, why didn’t you tell me? I would have bought it for you!”

In his fury, he ripped the book apart, the sound of tearing paper echoing through the room.

It was an old, delicate volume, and it succumbed easily to his aggression, shredding into pieces.

He flung the torn pages into the air, the yellowed fragments swirling around Louisa like a flurry of autumn leaves.

Louisa stood frozen in disbelief. A book worth two million dollars—how could he just destroy it like that?

Fury ignited within her, and she shoved him hard. “George, are you out of your mind? I was going to return that!”

Ignoring his presence, she grabbed a clean bag and began to gather the remnants of the book, her heart pounding in her chest.

George loomed at the top of the stairs, his hands quaking with rage as he watched her collect the scattered fragments. “You care so much about something he gave you, and you say there’s nothing between you? Louisa, are you trying to push me over the edge?”

Louisa remained silent, the disgust she felt when she discovered his betrayal morphing into a deep-seated hatred.

After a while, she finished collecting the pieces and made her way upstairs.

As she passed him, she paused, turning to face him. “George, your heart is so dirty that you see everything through a tainted lens. Julian isn’t like you. He values people, he appreciates my talent. Do you really think I would try to get under your skin with him? You’re not even worth it!”

Her words struck him like a physical blow, igniting a fire of fury within him.

He glared at her retreating figure. “Louisa, you better explain yourself!”

But Louisa didn’t bother to look back as she ascended the stairs, her heart pounding with a mix of anger and hurt.

In a fit of rage, George punched the banister, the wood splintering under his fury.

Moments later, Louisa heard the front door slam shut behind him, the sound reverberating through the empty house.

Her heart felt like a stone, devoid of emotion.

She locked her door, retrieved some clear tape, and settled at her desk, determined to piece the book back together.

By the time she finished, dawn was breaking, casting a soft glow through her window.

“Okay,” she replied, her voice subdued as she left the room.

Jared entered moments later, only to be met with George’s intense gaze.

Before he could speak, he noticed Vivian sitting on the couch, absentmindedly crunching on chips.

“Vivian, leave,” George commanded, his tone brooking no argument.

Vivian’s face fell further, hurt flashing in her eyes. Did he really have to discuss matters behind her back?

But the cold, menacing look on his face silenced her protests, and she exited the room quietly.

George turned to Jared, his expression hardening. “Set up a meeting with Julian from the Tudor Group.”

Jared blinked in confusion. “We don’t have any business with them. What’s the purpose of this meeting?”

George clenched his jaw. “To settle a debt.”

Jared racked his brain, unsure when his boss had borrowed money from Julian, but he quickly set about making the arrangements.

The Tudor Group responded promptly. Teddy conveyed, “Mr. Tudor says Mr. Capulet doesn’t owe us anything.”

George’s frustration boiled over. Was Julian feigning ignorance or was he simply being obstinate?

He snapped at Jared, “Tell them Louisa is my woman. If she wants something, I’ll buy it for her. Thanks for the offer.”

Julian’s response was blunt and unyielding. “Whoever owes, pays.”

In essence, their business was none of George’s concern.

Fury surged through him, and he smashed a ceramic cup against his desk, the shards scattering across the surface.

Jared jumped, startled by the sudden outburst, and quickly tried to calm him. “Mr. Capulet, don’t worry. I think Mrs. Capulet and Mr. Tudor aren’t what you think. She’s probably just upset about your affair. Maybe you should try to make it up to her?”