After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 30

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

George Capulet paced back and forth in his office, his brow furrowed with frustration. “She won’t accept anything I give her. How do I fix this?” he muttered, his voice tinged with exasperation.

Jared, his ever-observant assistant, stood nearby, a wry smile creeping onto his face. “Well, Mr. Capulet,” he said, almost under his breath, “all the gifts you give Mrs. Capulet are merely the leftovers that Ms. Price didn’t want. Of course, she won’t accept them.”

George turned sharply, a cold glare directed at Jared. “What did you say?” he demanded, the tension in the air thickening.

Jared sighed, feeling a wave of pity for Louisa. “Mr. Capulet, you really don’t understand women, especially Mrs. Capulet. She’s an incredibly capable woman and can get anything she desires on her own. What she truly wants from you is a gesture of thoughtfulness. Lately, you’ve been offering her gifts that Ms. Price rejected. It’s no wonder she’s upset.”

George paused, contemplating Jared’s words. “Is that so?” he mused, a flicker of realization dawning on him. “Order me another set of…”

Unbeknownst to them, Vivian stood just outside the door, her heart racing as she eavesdropped on their conversation. Anger bubbled within her. So, George’s foul mood these past few days stemmed from that insufferable woman, Louisa. Hadn’t he stopped liking her? Why was he still trying to win her over?

No way. She couldn’t allow them to reconcile. A plan began to form in her mind.

Meanwhile, Louisa had been diligently working for the past two days, her determination unwavering. She had painstakingly copied the entire *Business Philosophy* by hand and was now preparing to meet Julian for dinner.

As she slipped the book into her bag, she cast a glance at the calendar perched on her nightstand. This month had stretched on endlessly, but thankfully, only thirteen days remained before the end of it.

Stepping out of her apartment, she nearly collided with George, who was entering with a fancy shopping bag in hand.

“Heading out?” he asked instinctively, a hint of hope lacing his voice.

“Yes,” she replied curtly, not bothering to meet his gaze.

A wave of discomfort washed over George. He didn’t want to keep fighting with her. As she brushed past him, he instinctively reached out and grabbed her wrist. “We need to talk.”

“There’s nothing to talk about,” she shot back, pulling her hand away and striding toward the door. She had hoped to navigate this final month in peace, but now her patience had worn thin.

Determined, George moved to block her path, but Louisa was ready this time. She deftly dodged his hand, her eyes icy and filled with disdain. “Don’t touch me.”

Seeing her like this ignited a fire of frustration within George. He held out the shopping bag, desperation creeping into his voice. “I bought you jewelry from your favorite brand. Just see if you like it.”

Louisa glanced at the bag but remained unmoved. With a quick motion, George unwrapped it and opened the box, presenting it to her with a flourish. She glanced at the contents and burst into laughter, the sound sharp and cutting.

Confused, George looked down. The set of three was conspicuously missing the bracelet. “I didn’t give this to anyone else,” he explained, frowning. “I went to a meeting right after I got it and left it in my office. I don’t know how the bracelet went missing. Someone must have taken it.”

But who would dare to enter the president’s office at the Capulet Group without permission? The answer loomed large in his mind.

As George began to explain, Louisa simply offered him a cold smile and walked out, leaving him standing there, his face pale with anger. He had genuinely wanted to mend things with her, but now it felt as if everything had collapsed once more. In a fit of frustration, he called Vivian. “Did you take the bracelet?”

“Let’s eat first,” he suggested, his tone gentle.

“Okay,” she replied, lowering her head to sip her soup, taking one spoonful at a time. Yet her mind remained consumed with the book situation.

She had planned to address the issue immediately, bracing herself for whatever consequences awaited her—whether it be his fury or a lifetime of debt repayment. But his simple statement had thrown her off balance, leaving her thoughts in a chaotic swirl.

Would he remain this composed if he knew the book he had purchased for two hundred million had been torn to shreds and haphazardly glued back together? The thought sent a shiver down her spine as she cautiously glanced up at the man elegantly cutting his steak across the table.

At that precise moment, he looked up and their eyes met. She had no time to avert her gaze.

He chuckled softly, breaking the tension. “Don’t just drink soup. Eat something.”

“Okay,” she murmured once more, but still distracted, she lifted her soup bowl again, continuing to sip absentmindedly.

Julian found himself captivated by the sight of her bowed head, focused entirely on her meal—a stark contrast to the efficient, commanding Ms. Forbes he knew from the office. Sensing her unease, he decided to end her “suffering.”

“Whatever you want to say, go ahead,” he encouraged, his voice calm and inviting.

Seizing the opportunity, Louisa pulled the book and a notebook from her bag, holding them out with both hands. “I’m sorry, Mr. Tudor,” she said cautiously, her heart racing. “The book was torn…”