After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 371

Chapter 371

That remark made Teresa clench her fists tight.

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Even though it was just a normal form of address with no intention to insult, Teresa still felt deeply uncomfortable.

But she remembered what Adeline had told her yesterday: “No matter what Louisa says to you, stay calm. Don’t lose your temper. The moment

you do, you lose.”

Teresa recovered, pushing a stack of prepared documents toward Louisa. Now that you’re in the Director’s seat, we naturally need to hand over

work. These are all major department projects. I assume Ms. Forbes hasn’t seen them yet?”

Louisa said nothing, picking up the top file to flip through.

Teresa: “With Ms. Forbes’s strong work capabilities, I’m sure I don’t need to say much. I have something this afternoon and won’t be in the

office. Why don’t you look through them now? If you have any questions, we can align right away.”

Louisa nodded, her tone neutral. “Alright, I’ll look now. Sorry to take up your time, Ms. Hughes.”

Teresa smiled. No problem. I’m not that busy anyway. This Director position was just something my godmother let me play at. Not like Ms. Forbes you have to rely on yourself for everything. Can’t afford a single misstep.”

The subtext: This is the difference between you and me.

Louisa caught the implication.

Her comment about taking up Teresa’s time had been pure courtesy. Yet Teresa had to add all that nonsense.

Clearly, the work handover was fake. Showing off was the real objective.

Louisa smiled faintly. “True. Princesses are born privileged – wearing glass slippers, standing in the spotlight. They can command everyone’s attention without doing anything. How could us common folk compare? We have to walk step by step. Climbing stairs is certainly hard work, but the path you walk yourself is solid. And when you reach the summit, you’re a queen – dependent on no one.”

That was the difference between a princess and a queen.

Louisa had effortlessly won this round.

Teresa failed to keep her composure. Her expression shifted.

She’d clearly underestimated Louisa. She hadn’t expected Louisa to show fear whatsoever in the face of such a disparity in status.

Teresa gripped her fists tighter and stopped pursuing that topic.

She started fidgeting with the bracelet on her wrist.

Adeline had given it to her yesterday afternoon at Tudor Manor.

Teresa smiled smugly again, stroking the bracelet on her left wrist with he right hand in a show of affection and appreciation.

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Chapter 371

Louisa glanced at it inadvertently but showed no reaction, continuing to review the project materials.

Teresa caught that look and immediately asked: ‘Does Ms. Forbes know what this is?”

Louisa glanced at her wrist again. “That should be a Harry Winston rare dimond bracelet.”

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Louisa had seen this design at a few extremely exclusive private auctions, but none had been as pure and dazzling as the one on Teresa’s wrist – perfectly cut with captivating brilliance.

She silently judged it was probably a top–tier collector’s piece.

Teresa smiled with satisfaction. “Ms. Forbes is quite knowledgeable. You’re right it’s a top–tier custom piece. A Tudor family heirloom passed down to daughters–in–law.”

Those words made Louisa’s grip on her pen suddenly tighten.

Teresa and Julian clearly had no such relationship. Julian had no interest Teresa whatsoever.

Yet Adeline had still given Teresa the bracelet meant for a daughter–in–law

The purpose was singular this bracelet was for Louisa to see.

It represented Adeline’s stance: the Tudor family daughter–in–law could be any socialite – anyone except Louisa.

Adeline hoped Louisa would back down while she could.

Teresa saw her reaction, her lips curving into a satisfied, contemptuous smirk.

But quickly, she concealed all expression.

She deliberately asked in a breezy tone: “Does Ms. Forbes have nothing to say?”

Louisa pulled herself from her thoughts and said flatly, “Congratulations.

Teresa froze again.

She hadn’t expected Louisa to remain so composed under these circumstances.

Louisa happened to finish reviewing the last project and closed the file.

She began gathering and organizing all the materials.

Seeing this, Teresa quickly asked: ‘Ms. Forbes finished that fast? Did you derstand everything? Any questions?

Louisa raised an eyebrow slightly.

Switching tactics, changing the attack?

Louisa pulled out three project files. ‘These three are all investment applications for scientific research projects. Overall conditions are good, market research checks out, risk control approved them so why didn’t upper management approve them?”

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Teresa’s expression stiffened. She couldn’t answer right away.

A while back at Tudor Manor, she’d overheard William mention wanting to invest in a research institute.

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She’d immediately had her team investigate, going through layers of screening to select these three research facilities. Every aspect checked

out.

But when she brought them to Julian, he refused to approve them.

She’d asked Julian why not.

Julian had only asked her back: You dare bring this to me without even understanding the problem?

Teresa had been frustrated about it for ages.

Seeing her expression, Louisa knew she had no idea why.

Louisa didn’t press further, simply saying flatly: “Then I have no more questions.”

But in Teresa’s ears, this translated to: “You’re a clueless idiot. What’s the point of asking you?”

This was intolerable.

She stared coldly at Louisa. “Right, I don’t know. But I don’t believe you know either.”

Louisa looked at her quietly, saying nothing.

Teresa’s laugh was contemptuous, her words laced with jealousy. “Don’t try showing off in front of me with things Julian told you. Sure, he likes you now – but how long will that last? Will the Tudor family accept you? Will Julian go to war with his family for you? Really, think about it –

you’re a divorcée. How could you possibly be worthy of the Tudor family’s most outstanding heir? What delusional thinking!”

That last remark was viciously cutting, making Louisa frown.

She’d wanted to maintain surface–level peace and courtesy with Teresa.

But clearly, Teresa had no such need.

Comments

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more chapters please

5 days ago

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