After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 41

**Clocks Lie To Hearts by Asa River Flint**
**Chapter 41**

George’s brow furrowed, a deep crease forming as he hoisted Vivian into his arms, the weight of her distress palpable. He said nothing, but the silence between them felt heavy, almost suffocating, as they moved through the crowd. Whispers erupted around them, a cacophony of judgment and speculation that trailed in their wake.

“Did you see that? The man said the woman he carried out wasn’t the mistress,” one voice exclaimed, disbelief lacing their tone.

“Then the one left behind must be the homewrecker,” another chimed in, eyes darting toward the door.

“I think so too. The one inside is prettier anyway—she definitely has what it takes to steal someone’s husband,” a third voice added, dripping with disdain.

As the judgmental gazes fell upon Louisa, she felt their contempt like a physical blow, the heat of their scrutiny burning into her skin. Someone even spat in her direction, a clear sign of their disgust.

“Disgusting! Breaking up someone’s marriage is shameless. And to think I was nice to her just days ago!” The words hung in the air, sharp and unforgiving.

Louisa’s expression remained impassive, a mask of ice shielding her from the venomous barbs. She refused to give them the satisfaction of a reaction, her lips pressed tightly together, sealing her thoughts away.

Flora, unable to stand by and watch her friend endure the slings and arrows of their cruelty, felt a surge of anger welling up inside her. Just as she was about to unleash her fury, Sadie’s steady hand gripped her arm, pulling her back with a firm yet gentle restraint.

With an icy smile that could quell a raging fire, Sadie stepped forward, addressing the crowd with an authority that demanded attention. “Everyone, I’m Sadie from Guardian Law Firm. The young woman who was just carried away is Vivian Price of the Price family—twenty-five and unmarried.”

Her voice lowered to a silky challenge, each word dripping with confidence. “And if she’s unmarried, she can’t possibly be anyone’s wife, can she?”

With that final verbal dagger, she closed the door behind her, shutting out the toxic whispers that threatened to poison the very air they breathed.

Flora rushed to Louisa’s side, wrapping her in a protective embrace, her voice a soothing balm against the harshness of the world outside. “Don’t take it to heart, sweetie. They’re just ignorant people.”

Louisa’s laugh was devoid of humor, a hollow sound that echoed in the silence. “It doesn’t matter,” she replied, her voice steady but laced with an undercurrent of resignation.

Those who perched high on their moral pedestals often waved the flag of justice while mercilessly attacking their chosen villains. Yet, in truth, few had ever truly confronted another’s pain or understood the depths of their struggles.

In that moment, Louisa felt detached from the chaos surrounding her. George’s presence mattered little to her now, and the situation he had created was of no concern.

After all, there were only ten days left.

“Let’s get hamburgers,” she suggested, her tone casual, as if they hadn’t just weathered a storm of drama and heartache.

—

Meanwhile, George rushed Vivian to the hospital, his heart heavy with concern. Her face was a swollen canvas of angry red, a testament to the humiliation she had endured. Vivian had never faced such a public disgrace, and her indignation simmered just beneath the surface, ready to boil over.

When her parents arrived, their gasps echoed through the pristine, sterile corridor of the hospital, a stark contrast to the chaos of emotions swirling within.

“What happened? Who did this to my daughter?” Owen Price’s voice sliced through the air, sharp and accusatory, like a blade seeking a target.

Lily Price enveloped her daughter in her arms, maternal instinct surging forth. “George, how could you let this happen? Weren’t you supposed to be together? How could you allow someone to hurt her like this?” Her voice trembled with a mix of fear and outrage.

George felt a flicker of sympathy for Vivian, but he was no fool. If she hadn’t gone looking for trouble in Louisa’s room, her perfect cheek wouldn’t now be marred by swelling.

“What do we want?” Lily’s laugh was sharp, a sound like broken glass.

Her gaze swept over Louisa’s disheveled appearance—the unmade face, the simple hospital gown. Yet, despite the lack of artifice, Louisa’s natural beauty shone through: high cheekbones, luminous skin, and eyes that held untold secrets.

Lily sneered, jealousy bubbling beneath the surface of her words. “Don’t think that sleeping with George puts you on my daughter’s level. Women like you are a dime a dozen.”

Her words dripped with venom, each syllable a calculated jab. “The Capulets will never accept you. George is just playing with you. If you’re smart, you’ll leave on your own!”

Rather than wilting under the verbal assault, Louisa’s smile deepened, a glimmer of defiance lighting her eyes. “Mrs. Price, I wondered why, upon learning your daughter was beaten, you didn’t come to return the favor.”

Her voice was honey over steel, smooth yet unyielding. “Instead, you’re trying to force me away from George. Are the Prices that desperate for a Capulet connection? Is your company going bankrupt?”

The barb struck true, hitting a nerve. Owen’s face contorted with rage, his complexion darkening dangerously. “Who do you think you are to mock the Price family?” he spat, anger radiating off him.

Louisa nodded with mock sincerity, her calm demeanor infuriating. “You’re right, Mr. Price. I’m nothing compared to you.”

She held his gaze, unflinching. “Actually, I have no objection to leaving. It’s George who won’t let go. Instead of confronting me, perhaps you should persuade him. I promise I’ll disappear without a backward glance.”

Owen and Lily stood speechless, their rage colliding with an immovable wall of composure. This wasn’t the reaction they expected from a typical young woman. Louisa’s unflappable demeanor spoke of someone who had weathered far worse storms than this.

After a tense silence, Owen’s voice dropped to a threatening whisper, the air thick with tension. “How much money do you want? Name your price.”