After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 359

Chapter 359

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Louisa had been thinking that since her father stayed at Julian’s place last night, they shouldn’t impose on him for breakfast, too. She’d

been planning to take her father out to eat, or invite Julian and Bob along – her treat, either way. It wouldn’t be right to keep imposing on

Julian.

But when she knocked, and the door opened, the scene before her took her breath away.

Her father, Brian, and Bob stood in the kitchen area cooking together. The two men, roughly the same age, had plenty to talk about –

chatting happily away as they cooked.

Noah and Teddy were there too. Teddy stood on the balcony handling work calls. Noah sat by the floor–to–ceiling windows playing with

the dog.

And Julian, dressed in loungewear, sat in an armchair with his long legs crossed, reading a book. The picture of elegant ease.

Especially with sunlight streaming through the windows, casting beams across Julian’s form, the kitchen counter, the fruit bowl o coffee table, Noah, and the lazily sprawled dog. Every scene transformed this typically cool–toned home into something warm

In all the time Louisa had known Julian, she’d never seen his space so lively. Turns out even the most aloof person could have a warm

home without contradiction.

She felt inexplicably moved.

Brian spotted her. “Louisa, what are you standing there for? Go wash your hands, breakfast is ready.”

This casual greeting – after just one night, he’d already made himself completely at home?

Louisa’s lips twitched. She turned her head, only to meet Julian’s half–smile and particularly tender gaze.

Louisa thought: Could he please stop looking at her like that? Otherwise, everyone would figure out their relationship. Though everyone

in this house – Bob, Teddy, and Noah – already knew anyway.

Louisa went to wash her hands and returned to the living room. By then, the food was ready. Teddy and Noah helped carry the dishes to

the table.

Breakfast for six – Bob had made a feast, a whole table full of dishes, many of them Louisa’s favorites.

Everyone ate and chatted. Bob and Brian had endless topics to discuss. For nearly every dish, Brian asked Bob how he’d made it, and Bob

launched into impromptu cooking lessons.

Louisa was baffled by the scene. Her father wasn’t usually this gregarious. Had something happened between last night and now that she

didn’t know about?

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Chapter 359

She cast a suspicious look at Julian.

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Julian remained perfectly composed and even smiled at her. “Ms. Forbes, what’s wrong? Staring at me like that – do you think I look more

delicious than the food?”

That last part he murmured low in Louisa’s ear, keeping it from the others.

Still, Louisa jumped at his brazen words. Not daring to say anything in front of everyone, she could only pinch his waist in warning. But

his muscles were too firm – she couldn’t get a grip, and her fingers just ached.

Julian smiled, his expression unchanged, while under the table, his hand captured hers.

Louisa startled again and immediately tried to pull her hand free. Not only did Julian refuse to let go, but he also placed her hand on his

thigh and played with her fingers.

–

Louisa nearly panicked. She nervously glanced at everyone else at the table they were all focused on eating, paying them no attention.

Only then did she glare at Julian in warning, her eyes demanding he let go.

Julian hadn’t wanted to release her, but not wanting to upset her, he reluctantly did.

Before Louisa could even breathe a sigh of relief, Brian’s phone rang.

He glanced at the caller ID but didn’t answer immediately, first looking at Julian and Louisa.

Bob, oblivious to the situation, urged him: “Answer it. It’s fine, we’re all family here.”

Brian smiled at him and answered: “Patty.”

The name made Louisa freeze.

Not again?

Immediately, she felt an icy aura emanating from beside her. She forced herself to look at him, her eyes pleading: don’t be mad.

Julian said nothing, just regarded her with that cool gaze.

Helpless, Louisa took the initiative to grab his hand, a bit of coaxing sweetness in the gesture. Julian didn’t shake off her hand, just kept

watching her.

Louisa didn’t dare make a sound, just kept her head down and quietly ate her food.

The scene fell into an awkward silence.

So everyone heard Patty’s loud voice coming through Brian’s phone: “Brian, did you talk to Louisa? What did she say? Our Ryder took the

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Chapter 359

day off work just to come meet Louisa. Send me the address.”

Brian: “I’ll have to ask Louisa about that.”

He would never give out his daughter’s address without permission.

L

Patty immediately grew displeased. “You still have to ask your daughter? Brian, are you her father or not? Why do you protect her like she’s made of glass? Just tell me straight – are you agreeing to this or not?”

Brian’s expression instantly cooled. “I’ll spoil my daughter all I want. If you-”

“Dad!”

Louisa called out just in time, reaching out her hand. “Give me the phone.”

Brian covered the phone and said to her, “Louisa, don’t feel pressured. I know Ryder is a good kid, but his mother is a piece of work. No matter how good the man is to you, I won’t agree to you being with someone who has a difficult mother. Not again.”

Louisa didn’t say much, just nodded. “I know, Dad. Give me the phone.”

Brian didn’t know what she planned to say, but he handed her the phone anyway.

Louisa pressed the phone to her ear. “Mrs. Wilson, my dad told me everything. How about this – send me Ryder’s phone number, contact him directly. You and my dad don’t need to keep playing messenger.”

Patty immediately beamed. “Louisa, I knew you were a good girl. Of course – our Ryder is so wonderful, how could you not like him? I’ll give you his number right now.”

Delighted beyond measure, she immediately rattled off her son’s number.

Unfortunately, someone else was not pleased.

Julian cast her an icy look and dropped her hand entirely.

Louisa thought: Oh no. She’d forgotten just how jealous Julian could get.