After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 36

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

Flora began to voice her objections, “She had nothing to—”

“Yes!” Louisa interjected, her voice slicing through the air like a knife, locking eyes with Caden, her resolve unwavering. “I did send her. Mr. Price, isn’t it? Your Price Group and the Young Group are evenly matched—taking them on wouldn’t be a walk in the park. But to destroy me? That should be child’s play.”

A chilling smile spread across her lips, a silent challenge hanging between them, daring him to make a move.

Caden’s anger flared at the blatant provocation, a storm brewing within him.

Louisa then turned her attention to George, her tone dropping to a steely whisper that could cut glass. “I can’t control what others do, but remember this—if you dare to make a move against Flora or the Young Group, I will never forgive you. Not in this lifetime.”

George remained mute, the weight of her words settling heavily in the air.

The truth was, he had never intended to retaliate against Flora; it had been a hollow threat, born of his own frustration and helplessness.

As he observed Louisa’s ghostly pallor and the tremors coursing through her frame, he instinctively stepped closer. “Enough of this. You look unwell. Let me take you back.”

“That won’t be necessary,” she declared firmly, reaching out for Sadie and Flora, one on each side. “We’re leaving.”

“Damn right we are,” they echoed in unison, their voices a united front.

The trio departed with the force of a tempest, swift and leaving chaos in their wake.

In the aftermath of the confrontation, George pressed his fingers against his throbbing temples, trying to ease the tension that had settled there.

Caden’s expression darkened with indignation. “Mr. Capulet, she’s merely your secretary. Are you truly going to allow her to humiliate my sister in front of me?”

Vivian continued her melodramatic sobbing, the sound grating on George’s already frayed nerves, each sob a reminder of the chaos that had unfolded.

With practiced gentleness, he helped her to her feet. “Flora has always been… impulsive,” he said, attempting to smooth over the turbulent waters. “Let’s just put this incident behind us. As for the distress Vivian experienced today—that’s on me. I’ll make it up to her.”

“You think a simple promise fixes this?” Caden snapped, his voice rising in disbelief. “Vivian is our family’s treasure!”

George felt his patience wearing thin, frustration bubbling beneath the surface. “What exactly do you want from me?”

As Caden opened his mouth to respond, Vivian wrapped her arms around George’s waist, leaning into him. “Caden, please,” she whispered, her voice trembling with emotion. “Don’t blame George. It’s not his fault.”

Caden stared at his lovesick sister in exasperation before storming out, the door slamming behind him, leaving a charged silence in his wake.

After offering Vivian a few soothing words, George prepared to head to the hospital. The image of Louisa’s ashen face, the way she had looked just moments from collapse, haunted him. He needed to know she was alright.

Vivian sensed his worry for Louisa, and a surge of hatred flared through her veins. That woman had literally set a fire—how had she escaped the flames unscathed?

Yet, she masked her thoughts behind a facade of sweet understanding. “Go to her,” she murmured, her voice softening. “I’ll be waiting when you return.”

George affectionately patted her head. “Good girl.”

As they arrived at the hospital, Louisa collapsed the moment they stepped through the doors, slipping back into unconsciousness, her body succumbing to the toll of the day.

Sadie and Flora kept a vigilant watch at her bedside, their hearts shattering at the sight of her still form, her face as pale as the sheets that enveloped her.

“I have to say it—you were reckless today,” Sadie finally admonished, her tone a mixture of concern and reproach. “Why didn’t you tell us before charging off to confront George?”

“I was just so angry,” Flora defended, her voice rising with indignation. “That bastard—what gives him the right to treat our Louisa this way?”

“You—”

Flora’s retort was cut short as Sadie grabbed her arm with a firm grip. “That’s enough. We’re leaving.”

She practically dragged Flora from the room, the tension between them palpable.

Once in the hallway, Flora yanked her arm free, her eyes blazing with anger. “What are you doing? We can’t leave her alone with that monster! Who knows what he might do to hurt her again?”

“This is a hospital,” Sadie reasoned, her voice steady. “He’s not going to try anything here. Besides, they have issues that need resolving, and we’re just in the way. This is between husband and wife.”

“I hope you’re right,” Flora muttered, her heart heavy with doubt.

“Let’s handle our work so we can free up more time to visit her, okay?” Sadie suggested, trying to keep the mood light.

Louisa slept deeply, oblivious to the turmoil swirling around her hospital bed.

She didn’t awaken until nightfall.

When her eyes finally fluttered open, the room was cloaked in darkness, save for a single dim lamp casting a soft glow. The sharp scent of antiseptic filled her nostrils, a stark reminder that she was in the hospital.

It seemed she had been spending an awful lot of time in medical facilities lately, and the thought filled her with unease.

George immediately leaned forward, concern etched across his features. “You’re awake. Are you in pain? Should I call the doctor?”

Louisa, unwilling to face him just yet, simply closed her eyes again, retreating into the comfort of darkness.

“Please,” George’s voice deepened with frustration at her silent treatment. “Talk to me. What hurts?”