After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 52

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

Dawnlight Club was a glamorous establishment, an oasis of elegance situated quite a distance from the bustling heart of the city. Typically, it basked in a serene stillness, only disrupted on holidays when its doors swung open to a flood of patrons seeking revelry.

Louisa remained silent, her mind racing as she pondered Hazel’s motives.

Hazel, her patience wearing thin, snapped irritably, “I’ll wait until eleven. If you don’t show up, we’ll stick to the $2 billion compensation we agreed upon. Forget about the extra billion; that contract will be rendered void.”

Without allowing Louisa the chance to respond, she abruptly ended the call.

Louisa tossed her phone onto the bed with a mix of frustration and resignation. She reclined against the pillows, staring blankly at the ceiling as thoughts swirled in her mind like autumn leaves caught in a gust of wind.

Her relationship with Hazel had always been fraught with tension. From the very first moment George had brought her to Capulet Manor prior to their marriage, Hazel had scrutinized her, her gaze dripping with disdain. She had looked down her nose at Louisa, dismissing her as unworthy of their once-illustrious Capulet lineage, simply because Louisa lacked the prestigious family background that Hazel valued so highly.

Even after saying “I do” to George, Hazel had made it abundantly clear that Louisa was unwelcome in the grand estate. Each holiday visit was a gauntlet of Hazel’s cutting remarks, laced with sarcasm and veiled threats. It was painfully obvious that Hazel was merely biding her time, eagerly anticipating the day when Louisa and George would part ways.

Aside from her relentless criticism, Hazel had recently taken to sullying Louisa’s reputation in the community, a move that had left Louisa feeling both vulnerable and enraged.

This latest phone call from Hazel likely wasn’t an attempt at reconciliation; instead, it felt more like a warning or perhaps a feeble attempt at negotiating a lower settlement.

But did she truly need to attend this meeting?

Louisa mused that even if she chose to ignore Hazel’s summons, the woman wouldn’t dare take drastic measures.

Just then, the sound of wheels rolling outside caught her attention.

It wasn’t loud enough to disrupt her thoughts, but it was heavy and muffled, as if something substantial was being transported.

Curiosity piqued, Louisa swung her legs off the bed and made her way downstairs, opening the front door to investigate.

To her surprise, she spotted a group of individuals maneuvering a cart laden with luxurious items into her neighbor’s apartment.

One of the movers glanced her way and quickly inquired, “Miss, did we disturb you?”

“No, it’s perfectly fine,” Louisa replied, shaking her head as she took in the sight of the high-end goods being unloaded—everything from designer furniture to exquisite decor, all clearly from top-tier brands.

Her gaze instinctively drifted toward her neighbor’s residence. The living room was a spectacle of opulence, boasting large, curved floor-to-ceiling windows and a design far more spacious and refined than her own modest apartment.

The mere tableware being transported looked like it could fetch millions at auction.

With that kind of wealth, why on earth would they choose to live in an apartment? Surely, a mansion would be more fitting.

Rich people certainly had peculiar priorities, she thought with a bemused shake of her head.

The head butler, noticing her lingering gaze, mistook her curiosity for concern. He offered, “We’ll be finished shortly, just one more trip. We’ll do our best to keep the noise down.”

Louisa couldn’t help but smile at his politeness. Even the servants of affluent families were remarkably courteous.

She waved him off, saying, “It’s daytime, not the middle of the night. Move as you please.”

With a polite smile, she turned to retreat back inside.

However, the head butler called out once more, “Oh, by the way, Miss, just a heads up: I passed by the property management office earlier. They mentioned there will be a water and power outage in two hours. The elevator will be out of service too, and it’s quite a trek up to the 17th floor. You might want to prepare for that.”

Louisa nodded, grateful for the heads-up. “Thanks for letting me know.”

Once back inside, she checked her phone and saw a notification from the property management in the residents’ group chat confirming the impending outage.

The Capulet family driver was waiting outside, a respectful nod accompanying his extended hand toward Louisa. “Mrs. Louisa Capulet, Mrs. Hazel Capulet is expecting you. Please follow me.”

Louisa offered no reply, her mind racing as she followed him inside, the air thick with the scent of luxury and anticipation.

After navigating a series of winding hallways, the driver halted at a private room, opening the door with a flourish. “Mrs. Louisa Capulet, please.”

Louisa stepped into the room, her senses immediately enveloped by the rich aromas of freshly brewed coffee and subtle hints of aromatherapy wafting through the air.

Hazel was seated at a table, an image of sophistication in her purple silk evening gown, delicately sipping her coffee.

Upon noticing Louisa’s entrance, she shot her a look of disdain. “Sit,” she commanded, her tone dripping with condescension.

Louisa, unimpressed by Hazel’s ostentatious display, smirked and cut straight to the chase. “Didn’t you want me to sign an updated contract? Where is it?”

Hazel waved her hand dismissively. “What’s the rush? Let’s enjoy some coffee first.”

She gestured toward the cup placed before Louisa, a benign invitation cloaked in thinly veiled malice.

Louisa glanced at the cup, her brow arching in skepticism. “Poisoned, is it?”

Hazel’s expression contorted with irritation. “Then simply don’t drink it.”

Louisa nodded, a sardonic smile playing on her lips. “Yeah, probably best not to.”

Hazel sneered, “Typical of someone from a small family—so petty and unsophisticated.”

Louisa chuckled, the sound sharp and defiant. “Oh, how noble of you! So noble that you had me kidnapped? So noble that you’ve taken to publicly tarnishing my name? Is this the kind of class that your high society prides itself on?”