After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 56

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

Julian’s eyes were fixed on Louisa’s face, an expression of surprise flickering across his features, mingling with something deeper, more intricate.

She remained unaware of his scrutiny, her reactions driven purely by instinct.

As memories of Julian saving her from danger flooded her mind, everything that followed was a void, a blank slate that she couldn’t fill. He, too, chose not to revisit those harrowing moments.

“It’s alright now,” he reassured her, his voice steady and calm. “Those people didn’t manage to hurt you. The sedatives and aphrodisiacs they injected have been flushed from your system—there’s no lasting damage.”

No lasting damage, except for the two jagged cuts she had inflicted upon herself. His gaze fell to her bandaged hands, a storm of cold fury and heartache brewing within him.

Louisa remained oblivious to the turmoil in his eyes. She simply nodded, her voice soft yet sincere. “Thank you.” Then, lifting her chin to meet his gaze, she added, “You saved me again. I now owe you three lives.”

Three lives, three debts of gratitude. The enormity of that thought weighed heavily on her, leaving her at a loss for how she could ever repay him.

Julian’s smile was faint, almost bittersweet. “Let’s keep the debt,” he replied, his tone light, yet the weight of his words left her momentarily speechless.

Just then, Teddy entered the room, bringing news that shifted the atmosphere. “Mr. Tudor, we’ve contained the situation at Dawnlight Club. Everyone present has been instructed to remain silent about today’s events.”

He continued, “The five men and the female server have been detained. During questioning, they revealed that George orchestrated the attack on Ms. Forbes.”

At this revelation, Teddy cast Louisa a sympathetic glance, understanding the gravity of betrayal from one’s own husband. What woman could easily accept such treachery?

Julian’s surprise was palpable. He had anticipated Vivian’s involvement, not George’s.

Noticing Louisa’s composed demeanor, he leaned in, his voice barely above a whisper. “It really was him?”

Her silent nod confirmed his worst fears.

She had longed for an amicable end with George, a parting that would allow both of them to maintain their dignity. But following this betrayal, she felt a fire igniting within her—a fierce determination that he would not escape unscathed.

Her fists clenched tightly, her eyes swirling with a calm that was both terrifying and filled with hatred.

“Your hands are still injured,” Julian reprimanded, his tone sharper than she had ever heard from him. “Don’t you want them to heal?”

Was he angry? She met his gaze, her silence speaking volumes, but the pain etched on her face was heartbreaking.

Julian sighed, a heavy sound that echoed between them. “I just can’t believe George would go this far. Perhaps he doesn’t even realize the extent of his actions—maybe Vivian is pulling the strings.”

“It was him,” Louisa replied, her voice hollow, yet resolute.

After a brief silence, Julian pressed on, “What do you plan to do next? I have my people keeping an eye on those six individuals. Whether you prefer a private settlement or police involvement, I can assist with either.”

Louisa hesitated, the weight of her options pressing down on her. Neither choice would quench her thirst for vengeance. Vivian, Hazel, and now George—they had all hurt her time and again. This time, she would not let them slip through her fingers.

“Keep them detained for one more day,” she finally instructed Julian, her voice laced with determination. “Tomorrow, I’ll resolve everything at once.”

Julian remained silent, exchanging a meaningful glance with Teddy that spoke volumes.

“Being hysterical won’t solve anything,” Louisa stated, her cold smile both composed and dangerous.

Flora and Sadie exchanged glances, an unspoken understanding passing between them. Their Louisa was preparing to strike back today.

As Flora opened her mouth to speak, Sadie’s gaze fell upon the bandage wrapped around Louisa’s left wrist.

“Louisa! What happened to your hand?” she cried out, alarmed.

Louisa’s attention finally shifted to her own wrist, the memories of the previous night flooding back.

The two deep cuts had severed blood vessels, and the wounds still bore the evidence of her pain.

Realizing she could no longer hide the truth, she recounted the events of the previous night to her friends, watching their expressions shift from shock to outrage.

When Flora regained her composure, she exploded in fury, “That bastard George! Is he even human? How dare he do this to you? And Vivian too—they’re both monsters!”

Flora’s anger was palpable; she looked ready to tear them apart right then and there.

“Exactly!” Even Sadie, typically the calm one, couldn’t contain her fury. “Those bastards! To do something like this to you—I won’t let them get away with it!”

In stark contrast to their outrage, Louisa maintained an eerie calm.

“Louisa,” Flora urged, “tell us what you’re planning. We’re on your side—we’ll help you make them pay!”