After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 49

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

George hurled his phone towards Jared, frustration etched across his face. “I understand. You can go.”

With that, he made his way down to the dimly lit parking garage, the echo of his footsteps mingling with the distant hum of engines. Sliding into the driver’s seat of his car, he instinctively reached for his phone, a desperate urge to call Louisa bubbling within him.

The unsettling thought that Julian was orchestrating this chaos for Louisa gnawed at him, making his stomach twist in knots.

But as he hovered over the dial button, the haunting imagery of that video flashed in his mind once more, a reminder of the tangled web they were caught in.

He couldn’t bring himself to make the call.

Instead, he tossed his phone onto the passenger seat in frustration, the device landing with a dull thud. With a deep breath, he started the engine and drove off, his destination set for the Capulet Manor.

Meanwhile, in the cozy living room of the manor, Hazel was indulging in a soothing cup of tea. The aroma filled the air, mingling with the warmth of the afternoon sun streaming through the window.

Vivian was there too, her demeanor polished and poised as she presented a beautifully wrapped set of skincare products to Hazel, her voice dripping with practiced sweetness. “Mrs. Capulet, I had these specially formulated for your unique skin type by a renowned research studio overseas. Please do try them—if they suit you, I can arrange for more to be made.”

Hazel’s face lit up with genuine pleasure as she patted Vivian’s hand affectionately. “You’re always so thoughtful, dear.”

Indeed, Vivian had mastered the delicate art of charming the elders, a skill that had served her well over the years in the Price family. Without it, her strong-willed personality might never have garnered such favor.

Inside, she felt a smug satisfaction but maintained her innocent facade. “You’re too kind, Mrs. Capulet. Isn’t it simply expected to show respect to one’s elders? I can’t imagine Ms. Forbes ever giving you gifts like these.”

She feigned surprise, tilting her head slightly.

Hazel snorted in disbelief. “Her? She doesn’t hold a candle to you. I truly can’t fathom what George sees in her.”

“Well, she—”

Vivian was about to delve deeper into the topic when her eyes caught a tall figure striding towards them from outside.

Her face brightened instantly as she dashed toward him. “George! What brings you here now? Did you finish at the office? Are you here to pick me up?”

George cast a fleeting glance in her direction, his expression dark and unreadable as he bypassed her, striding directly towards Hazel.

Startled by the storm brewing on his face, Hazel’s brow furrowed with concern. “George, what’s wrong? What happened?”

He threw his phone onto the table beside her, frustration boiling over. “Why did you release all that nonsense without my consent? Don’t you grasp what’s going on between Louisa and me? Those things you said…”

How could he possibly articulate this tangled mess to Louisa?

Hazel had not anticipated that her son’s rare visit would revolve around Louisa.

Anger flared within her. “What’s wrong with what I said? With Louisa’s background, how could she ever be worthy of you? Vivian is your true equal—she’s the one you should marry.”

“Who I choose to be with is my decision, not your concern!” he retorted, his voice rising.

“Not my concern? I’m your mother!” Hazel’s voice trembled with rage, her frustration bubbling over.

Seeing her reaction, George softened his tone slightly, though his stance remained resolute. “I will issue my own statement clarifying that the Capulet family has no intentions of aligning with the Price family through marriage. Please stop interfering—in my personal life and in company matters.”

Without waiting for her response, he turned sharply to leave.

As he did, he nearly collided with Vivian.

Her eyes were red, brimming with unshed tears as she looked up at him, confusion etched on her face. “George, what do you mean? You’re not planning to marry me?”

“We’ll discuss this later. You should go home now,” he replied curtly, his heart heavy.

He wasn’t in the mood to offer comfort, striding away with purpose.

Vivian turned, collapsing into Hazel’s arms, her body shaking with sobs. “Mrs. Capulet, why is George treating me this way? Why won’t he marry me?”

For the past two months, she hadn’t initiated a single conversation.

Even with everything that had transpired recently—Owen and Lily’s harsh words in her hospital room, his mother’s absurd press conference—she hadn’t reached out to him.

Had they truly grown this distant?

In that moment, he felt a deep uncertainty about what she was thinking.

With slightly trembling fingers, he pressed the call button, anxiety swirling in his chest.

At that moment, Louisa was at home, sipping afternoon tea with Flora.

When she saw his name flashing on her screen, a wave of reluctance washed over her.

But the calls kept coming, relentless, as if he wouldn’t stop until she answered.

Finally, she relented, answering the call with a cool detachment. “What is it?”

“Where are you?” His voice came through hoarse and weary, a stark contrast to the vigor he usually exuded.

Louisa paused, taken aback. Hadn’t he been full of energy just recently? What could possibly be draining him now?

But whatever his state, it failed to stir any warmth in her heart. She replied coolly, “At Flora’s place. Do you need something?”

“Come home.”

It was a command, firm and unyielding.

Louisa frowned, irritation bubbling beneath the surface. “I told you already, Flora and I are planning to—”

“I don’t care what you’re planning. Come home immediately, or I’ll come get you myself,” he demanded coldly, his frustration palpable.