After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 33

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

At this very moment, George found himself blissfully unaware of the chaos unfolding back at home.

The collaboration with the Price family had progressed seamlessly into its second phase, and now he stood on the brink of finalizing an additional contract. Everything was meticulously prepared, yet Caden was conspicuously absent.

With a furrowed brow, George turned to Vivian, his confusion palpable. “Are you absolutely certain your brother said eight in the morning?”

Vivian flashed him a sweet, mischievous smile, her arm wrapping around his like a vine. She pouted playfully, a glimmer of mischief in her eyes. “Alright, I confess. Caden actually said ten. I just wanted to steal a little more time with you. You’re not upset with me, are you?”

George chuckled, tapping her forehead gently with a playful finger. “You little rascal!”

She leaned closer, her head resting against his chest, exuding an air of innocent charm. “I knew you wouldn’t be mad at me. So, for this next hour, your full attention is mine, okay?”

“Deal!” George found himself unable to resist her allure, agreeing without a moment’s hesitation.

When the property management team called, Vixium, his phone in hand, simply ignored the ringing, refusing to let George answer. He didn’t mind one bit; his thoughts were entirely consumed by Vivian.

Little did he know, Launsa was enduring a tormenting ordeal back at home.

As Julian pulled into the driveway of the Capulet Villa, a plume of thick, acrid smoke curled ominously from a second-floor window, twisting into the air like a dark omen.

The atmosphere around the house thickened with tension, a palpable weight pressing down on him.

With a steely resolve etched across his features, he exited the car without uttering a single word, his heart racing as he prepared for what lay ahead.

Just as he approached the entrance, the property management team arrived in a flurry, rushing in alongside him.

Inside, the living room appeared relatively clear, save for a thin veil of smoke that lingered in the air, but Julian’s instincts urged him to act swiftly.

He made a beeline for the staircase, his feet carrying him up to the locked bedroom door that seemed to taunt him with its silence.

He pounded on the door with urgency. “Louisa! Are you in there? Please, are you okay?”

Inside the room, Louisa was poised to leap from the window when she heard his voice. The sound of his concern broke through her panic, and she hesitated, trying to respond, but the thick smoke invaded her lungs, forcing her into a coughing fit that rendered her speechless.

In that moment, Julian made a snap decision, his voice firm as he commanded the property staff, “Break the door down!”

Though they were unfamiliar with him, his commanding presence left them no choice but to scramble for tools, urgency driving their actions as they began to force the door open.

With a resounding crash, the door finally gave way.

A torrent of thick white smoke erupted from the room, enveloping the two men who had pried it open. They staggered back, coughing violently. “We can’t go in! It’s too smoky! The fire’s too big. We should call the fire department!”

While the property staff debated their next move, Julian strode forward with unwavering determination.

“Mr. Tudor!” Teddy gasped, his eyes wide with shock as he called out, but Julian paid him no mind, his focus solely on the flames that danced before him.

There, on the windowsill, he spotted Louisa, crouched and vulnerable.

Her hair was a wild tangle, her face smudged with soot, and her clothes looked as if they had been through a battle. Yet, despite her disheveled appearance, her eyes sparkled with a fierce resilience.

Upon seeing him, her eyes glistened with unshed tears, a wave of emotion crashing over her.

Julian felt an ache in his chest as he crossed the scorched room, his heart pounding with urgency.

This scene seemed to awaken the deepest sorrows within Louisa. Her eyes reddened, and as he reached her, silent tears began to flow down her cheeks, each drop a testament to her fear and despair.

A single glance from him silenced her, forcing her to lower her gaze, avoiding his penetrating eyes.

Teddy returned after completing the paperwork.

Julian helped Louisa get comfortable in the hospital room, ensuring that everything was in order, his demeanor protective and attentive.

Teddy spoke up, “Mr. Tudor, I’ve booked the next flight. We need to leave in two hours.”

Julian nodded, his gaze shifting back to Louisa. “I’ll get a nurse to check on you.”

“No, no, that’s not necessary,” Louisa protested, waving her hands dismissively. “I can manage. You should go; you’ve already spent too much time here.”

Julian regarded her with an intensity that made her heart race, but he said nothing.

Just then, a commotion erupted outside the door. “Louisa! Louisa!”

It was Sadie and Flora, having rushed over as soon as they received Teddy’s urgent call.

They burst into the room, their expressions shifting from concern to shock as they took in Louisa’s pale complexion and disheveled state.

They hurried to her side, checking her over with frantic energy. “Louisa, what happened? Are you hurt?”

“I’m fine, don’t worry,” Louisa reassured them, her voice steady despite the turmoil within.

However, Flora remained unconvinced, her determination evident as she reached to lift Louisa’s shirt to check for injuries.

Louisa froze at her sudden movement. Although they were accustomed to playful antics, the presence of two men in the room made her instinctively glance at Julian, anxiety prickling at her skin as she feared he might witness something unintended.