After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 509

Chapter 509

Louisa instinctively grabbed the kandle above the car door to steady herself. Only after stabilizing her center of gravity did she look outside.

Beneath the dark blue sky, she could faintly make out the outline of endless mountain ranges stretching into the distance.

Under their vehicle, the road was nothing but cracked, potholed dirt and gravel, crushed by countless wheels. The car lurched and jolted

violently. The deeper they went, the more treacherous the terrain became.

On both sides rose steep, dark blue–gray mountains–range after range encircling them, layer upon layer, like an impenetrable natural barrier

completely isolating this land from the outside world.

Year–round fog clung to the mountains. Heavy, gray dampness pressed down on the treetops. Sunlight was blocked by dense forest

undergrowth, layer after layer.

It was clearly morning, yet not a trace of light penetrated the woods–it looked like the dead of night, painted in thick ink.

Louisa rolled down her window slightly. The wind rushing through the empty valleys sounded hollow and desolate, carrying not a hint of

human warmth.

Though she’d known conditions here would be harsh and had mentally prepared herself, only upon actually setting foot in this place did she realize how inadequate words were–they couldn’t capture even a fraction of the bone–chilling desolation of reality.

The mountain road was narrow and treacherous. On one side loomed slippery cliffs; on the other, bottomless ravines. The road surface was covered in loose gravel and sticky yellow mud left by recent rain. Even vehicle passage was extremely difficult.

The entire forest felt lifeless. No birdsong could be heard. Small animals were rarely seen. Only the damp, decaying smell of vegetation mixed with dusty earth hung heavy in the air.

It wasn’t until half an hour later, when the car reached the end of the mountain road, that the factory gate came into view.

A grand wrought–iron gate.

The frame was heavy cast iron with ornate scrollwork. The once gilded patterns had faded and chipped over the years of heat and cold.

Only a few dim traces of metallic luster remained at the edges–as if telling the story of the scale and ambition this project had held over ten years ago when it was first established.

Louisa wanted to look inside, but the car didn’t stop. It drove past the gate.

To the side stood three two–story buildings staggered in front and back. Judging by the scale of construction, over ten years ago, this must have

been a landmark here.

Now, however… it was hard to put into words.

Elara explained, “These three buildings are employee dormitories. But young people these days can’t handle hardship. Most aren’t willing to live here. Only older folks or those who live far away actually stay overnight.”

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Chapter 509

Leniss asked, “Will I be staying here?

Elara smiled. “No need.”

She gestured for the driver to continue.

Five minutes later, the car stopped in front of a three story cottage.

The wooden structure looked to be at least ten years old–probably built at the same time as the branch office.

The wooden beams and wall panels had been weathered by mountain winds and sun into varying shades, their edges bearing marks worn by

time.

But when Louisa followed Elara inside, she discovered that although the cottage had weathered the elements, it didn’t look dilapidated at all. It had been cleaned spotlessly–the windows wiped clear, the floors dust–free and polished.

Louisa looked at Elara questioningly.

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Elara smiled. “This cottage was originally built for visiting executives from headquarters. But in the last two years, no one has been willing to accept assignments here, so the place has been sitting empty. When Mr. Young made the arrangements, I immediately found people to do a deep clean. The environment here is harsh, and this isn’t exactly comfortable, but it’s the best accommodation we can offer right now. At the very least, it’s safe and clean.”

Louisa said, “It’s already very good. Thank you for your efforts.”

From the airport to the branch office, the environment had been worse than she’d expected.

But stepping into this cottage felt like finding a paradise hidden in a desolate backwater.

Her emotions today really were like a roller coaster–wild ups and downs.

Next, Elara showed Louisa to her room. Louisa stayed to settle her belongings while Elara went to arrange breakfast.

Louisa didn’t have much—just some changes of clothes and toiletries. She finished unpacking in just over ten minutes.

Afterward, Louisa observed the room. Beyond being spotlessly clean, the bedding was brand new and had been washed and sterilized–it looked very comfortable.

The room even had its own bathroom. The entire structure was wood, and though it lacked the glamour of the city, it had the fresh, simple

charm of a mountain inn.

The room also had an open balcony.

This was the room with the best view in the entire cottage. Standing on the balcony, she could see lush, verdant scenery stretching out before

her.

She took a shower, had breakfast with Elara, and by then it was exactly nine o’clock.

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Chapter 509-

The branch office had already started work for the day.

Louisa and Elara headed to the company together.

When they arrived at the branch office entrance, several managers had just received word. They came rushing out of the office building in a

panic.

They’d assumed the inspector from headquarters would be a man.

After all, conditions here were too harsh. No matter who was sent, it was essentially exile.

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