After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 57

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

Sadie inhaled deeply, her mind racing to make sense of the whirlwind of emotions swirling around her. “I can totally picture Vivian orchestrating this, but George? How could he possibly do something like this? He adored you, treated you like royalty for a solid decade. Even if his feelings for you have faded, why would he resort to such a heartless act for someone he barely knows?”

Flora shrugged nonchalantly, her expression betraying her indifference. “Why not? He’s clearly willing to do anything to keep his new fling happy.”

Sadie’s brow furrowed in confusion, her thoughts tangled. “But he always insisted he wouldn’t divorce Louisa. Wasn’t that because he still had some lingering feelings for her?”

Flora let out a scoff, her disbelief palpable. “Feelings? If that were the case, why on earth would he get engaged to Vivian before even finalizing his divorce with Louisa?”

Sadie’s expression shifted to one of perplexity. “You make a valid point. But if he was so eager to get engaged, why hasn’t he cut ties with Louisa yet? Hold on, I’m getting all mixed up. Just give me a moment.”

She paused, her gaze drifting to Louisa, who had remained unusually quiet throughout their conversation. “Louisa, I heard whispers that the Capulet-Price project is in serious trouble. Is it true that the only way to salvage it is through a marriage alliance?”

Louisa, taking a bite of her sandwich, nodded slowly. “Yes, that’s correct.”

Sadie’s eyes lit up with realization, as if a light bulb had flickered on in her mind. “Then it all makes sense! The Capulet Group was founded by George’s father, but it hit rock bottom when George took the reins. He worked tirelessly to rebuild it from the ground up.”

She leaned forward, her excitement palpable. “He wouldn’t want to lose everything he’s built, so he agreed to this marriage alliance. But he knew Louisa wouldn’t just roll over, so he concocted this entire scheme to bring her down.”

“He even planned to film a video to blackmail her, ensuring she’d remain silent. This way, he can preserve his reputation while frolicking off with his new love.”

Flora regarded her with admiration, her eyes wide. “You’re brilliant, Sadie. It’s no wonder you chose the path of law.”

Sadie turned her attention back to Louisa, her voice softer now. “Is that really how it is, Louisa?”

Louisa didn’t offer a clear answer, her expression inscrutable. Instead, she looked at both of them and said, “You haven’t eaten anything yet, have you? Let me whip something up for you.”

Sadie and Flora exchanged incredulous glances. How could she think about food when everything was spiraling out of control?

Before they could voice their confusion, Louisa added, “Once we’ve eaten, I’ll need your assistance with something important.”

Flora responded immediately, her tone resolute. “You don’t even need to ask. Whatever you need, we’re in. We’ll do it, no matter what it takes.”

Sadie nodded in agreement, her determination matching Flora’s.

—

**9:55 AM, Wednesday, December 17**

**Chapter 57**

Louisa smiled softly, her resolve strengthening. “We still need to eat. We’ll need our strength for the battle that lies ahead.”

The clock was ticking toward 6 PM, the hour when Vivian’s birthday party was set to commence at the Hidden Mist Winery.

George, having finished his conversations with the guests, noticed their cheerful demeanor. “What’s going on?”

Vivian and Hazel exchanged a conspiratorial smile, a silent understanding passing between them. They hadn’t informed George about the engagement; he was blissfully unaware of the storm brewing around him.

They intended to announce it soon, leaving him with no option but to comply. With the project’s future at stake, Vivian was confident he would have no choice but to go along with their plans.

George, sensing their reluctance to share, chose not to press further.

—

**9:55 AM, Wednesday, December 17**

**Chapter 57**

Suddenly, George found his thoughts drifting to Louisa. What could she be doing at that moment? She used to accompany him to these events, but since taking on the role of his personal secretary, her presence had become a rarity.

Without her by his side, an emptiness gnawed at him, yet he was acutely aware that she would never step foot at Vivian’s birthday party.

Still, he couldn’t shake her from his mind. Seeking a moment of solitude, he excused himself to a quieter corner of the venue and sent her a message: [What are you doing?]

To his astonishment, the message was marked with a gray checkmark. Had she blocked him?