After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 4

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

**Chapter 4**

“Absolutely not!” Louisa declared firmly, her voice leaving no room for negotiation.

George opened his mouth, ready to interject, but before he could articulate his thoughts, Vivian piped up from the passenger seat, her tone laced with a feigned sincerity. “Ms. Forbes, I must apologize. This entire situation is my fault, and I hate that you’re having to deal with the fallout.”

Louisa’s brow furrowed slightly at Vivian’s words, which seemed innocent enough on the surface. “I wanted to come and express my regret in person,” Vivian continued, her eyes wide with an almost rehearsed innocence. “George was worried about me and insisted on accompanying me here.”

“Please, hop in. Let’s go together. With George around, I’m sure no one would dare take advantage of us,” she added, her smile bright but her eyes glinting with something darker.

Louisa couldn’t help but notice the smug grin that danced at the corners of Vivian’s mouth—a stark contrast to the tearful, helpless persona she had displayed earlier at the office. It was evident that George’s comforting words had worked wonders on her.

Louisa allowed a smile to flicker across her face but chose not to engage further. Instead, she turned on her heel and walked towards her own car, her heart heavy with contempt.

Vivian, ever observant, caught the fleeting look of disdain that crossed Louisa’s face. She had always been the privileged heiress, wrapped in the protective cocoon of her family’s influence, and had never been accustomed to being looked down upon by anyone, especially not by someone like Louisa.

Vivian’s composure shattered in an instant. “Louisa, what’s your issue? I’m genuinely trying to apologize, and this is your reaction?” she exclaimed, frustration bubbling to the surface.

“Enough of this bickering,” George interjected, his voice firm as he reprimanded both women. He then turned to Vivian, offering her a reassuring glance that seemed to say, “I’ve got your back.”

Looking back at Louisa, he continued, “She’s just a young woman who lacks experience. It’s understandable that she made a mistake on the project. Don’t you think you’re being a bit too harsh? Just apologize to her, and let’s move on.”

For a moment, Louisa was taken aback, her mind racing to comprehend his words. Was he serious? Was this some sort of twisted joke?

She faced George, her voice steady but laced with incredulity. “Apologize to her? Is it because she’s the precious daughter of the Price family? Or is it because she outright stole my project? Or perhaps it’s because she’s left me to clean up the mess she created?”

With each question, she could see George’s expression darkening, the tension in the air thickening as he struggled to keep his anger in check. “How many times do I have to tell you? She’s just a spoiled girl who acts on impulse. Why are you making such a fuss over this?”

So, according to him, no matter how egregious Vivian’s actions were, they could be dismissed as mere impulsiveness. Meanwhile, Louisa, who had done nothing wrong, was being painted as the unreasonable one.

A bitter smile crept onto Louisa’s lips. Did George even realize how biased he had become?

Beside him, Vivian’s delight was palpable as she regarded Louisa with an air of superiority, her eyes glimmering with triumph.

Louisa let out a cold, humorless laugh. “Mr. Capulet, I don’t remember saying anything offensive. Your little girl can act as impulsively as she wishes—just not in my vicinity.”

George’s expression darkened further, his jaw tightening as he fought to contain his frustration.

Louisa felt no desire to continue this pointless back-and-forth. She glanced at her watch, her tone deliberately casual. “We have fifteen minutes until the Taylor Group dinner. Are you really sure you want me to apologize to your little girl, Mr. Capulet?”

George remained silent, his piercing gaze fixed on her, an intensity that seemed to chill the very air around them.

Ignoring him entirely, Louisa slid into her car, her heart racing with a mix of anger and hurt.

As she drove, she pressed her lips together, the vibrant red contrasting sharply with the icy thoughts swirling in her mind. She fought to push away the sharp pang of disappointment that gnawed at her heart.

She didn’t want to dwell on George’s defense of Vivian. She didn’t want to remember the look of disdain he’d shot her way.

None of it mattered anymore. Not a single bit.

After all, there were only twenty-nine days remaining.

She sped toward the parking lot of Dreamscape Club, her foot heavy on the accelerator—any faster, and she would risk a ticket from the traffic police.

Her proactive approach to apologize, coupled with the fact that she was a woman, made it difficult for him to press the issue any further.

David turned to his colleagues, a smug grin stretching across his face. “What did I tell you? Ms. Forbes is nothing if not straightforward.”

He gestured to the chair beside him. “Ms. Forbes, please, come sit here.”

His intentions were all too clear.

Louisa was well aware that David’s fondness for alcohol was matched only by his notorious reputation for wandering hands. If she took the seat next to him, she would certainly be subjected to his unwelcome advances.

So, she feigned ignorance of his invitation and chose to sit down, leaving a seat’s distance between them.

David’s expression soured instantly, his irritation bubbling just beneath the surface. He opened his mouth to speak, but before he could utter a word, George and Vivian entered the room.

David’s surprise was evident, but he quickly masked it, stepping forward to extend his hand to George, his tone shifting to one of caution and humility. “Mr. Capulet! What a surprise! David Foster. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

George, however, remained aloof, refusing to lower himself to David’s level.

He ignored the enthusiastic greeting, offering only a frosty glance in response.

David felt the awkwardness settle in but quickly recovered, pulling out a chair. “Mr. Capulet, please, take a seat.”

George settled into his chair, his icy gaze sweeping across the room, assessing everyone present.

Louisa acted as though he didn’t exist, turning her attention to the others and engaging in lively conversation with David.

With a sly grin, David poured her a drink, his eyes glinting with mischief. “Ms. Forbes, you just promised to make amends, right? Let’s kick things off with a toast.”