After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 51

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

**Chapter 51**

Teddy hesitated, a flicker of realization dawning upon him. His boss was alluding to the impending board meeting, the clock ticking down ominously.

In a quick, almost panicked motion, he glanced at his watch. “Five minutes left,” he murmured, a hint of urgency lacing his voice.

Julian, ever composed, replied with a nonchalant air, “There’s still time. Why are you rushing?”

That one remark seemed to deflate Teddy’s carefully constructed arguments like a balloon losing air.

When the clock struck the appointed hour, Julian entered the meeting room with a punctuality that was almost theatrical. Percy, seated at the far end of the table, shot him a look that was a mix of resentment and disbelief.

With a sweeping gesture, Julian extended his palm, inviting everyone to voice their concerns. “Please, speak freely about your worries,” he encouraged, his voice smooth yet authoritative.

And speak they did.

Aware of Julian’s formidable reputation, the executives chose their words carefully. Their tone was polite, but beneath the surface, an accusatory edge simmered, each word laced with unspoken frustration.

Julian remained the picture of patience, his expression a mask of calm as he absorbed their grievances. He showed no sign of irritation, nor did he assert his rank. Instead, a faint smile played on his lips as he reached for his phone, dialing a number with a casual flick of his thumb.

Curiosity swept through the room like a wave, all eyes glued to Julian as he engaged in this seemingly mundane act.

The call connected swiftly, and Julian’s voice, low and measured, broke the silence. “What’s the situation there?”

In an instant, the atmosphere in the meeting room shifted. A palpable tension hung in the air, eyes darting to Julian’s phone, hanging on every word.

The voice on the other end relayed urgent news. “Mr. Tudor, George rushed back to the company after receiving the call. He met with Caden at the Capulet Group. The details of their discussion are unclear, but it escalated into an argument.”

Julian leaned in, his interest piqued.

“According to Caden,” the voice continued, “the only solution at this point is a marriage alliance between the Capulet and Price families to solidify their partnership.”

A collective gasp rippled through the room, the implications of such a union weighing heavily on their minds.

“George, however, flatly rejected that notion,” the voice continued. “He insisted that business is business and that he would never marry the Price daughter for any project. When Caden pressed him, threatening to end their cooperation without a marriage, George stood firm, refusing to be coerced. He stormed out, leaving the meeting in disarray.”

“Thank you for the update,” Julian said, his tone even as he ended the call.

The room was awash with disbelief, the executives staring at Julian as if he had conjured this information from thin air. How could he have informants reporting on private discussions in another office?

But it wasn’t just the source of the information that stunned them; it was the content. They had all witnessed Hazel’s announcement that the Capulet-Price marriage was a done deal. How could such a dramatic reversal occur?

The weight of uncertainty settled heavily in the room, and a thick silence enveloped them. No one dared to utter a word.

Julian’s gaze swept across the table, finally landing on Percy, his voice icy and cutting through the tension. “Mr. Adams, do you have any further questions?”

Under the weight of Julian’s piercing stare, Percy found his voice evaporating, his cheeks flushing crimson with embarrassment.

With a cold smile that suggested Percy was beneath his notice, Julian rose from his seat and exited the meeting room.

Julian paused, considering. “Send two people to keep an eye on Vivian.”

A flicker of concern crossed his features. He feared that George’s refusal to be coerced into marriage might provoke Vivian, leading her to take drastic actions against Louisa.

Meanwhile, Louisa was blissfully unaware of the brewing storm. She had returned to her own home, convinced that George would be too preoccupied to trouble her. She hoped to navigate these final days in peace.

However, fate had other plans. The very next day, before the sun had fully risen, Louisa’s phone buzzed incessantly, dragging her from the depths of sleep.

Hazel’s name flashed on the screen, and Louisa groaned, unwilling to engage. She silenced the phone and shoved it beneath her pillow, hoping for reprieve.

But the relentless vibrations persisted, shattering her fragile peace.

With a reluctant sigh, she finally answered, her voice icy. “Ms. Gray, what do you want now?”

Hazel’s voice was sharp and insistent. “There are some points in our previous agreement that need clarification. You need to meet me to sign a supplementary document.”

Louisa’s senses sharpened at the mention of a meeting.

Just days prior, Hazel had made a scene trying to evade the $3 billion compensation fee. Now, after Louisa had stood her ground, Hazel wanted to renegotiate?

A cold laugh escaped Louisa’s lips. “Is a meeting truly necessary? Your lawyer can communicate with mine for this.”

Hazel’s frustration was palpable, her voice rising. “Louisa, you increased the amount from $2 billion to $3 billion, and now you’re being obstructive when I request you sign an updated agreement? You must come in person. I’ll be waiting at the Dawnlight Club.”

Louisa felt a surge of defiance. The game was far from over.