After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 59

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

George’s expression shifted in an instant, a storm brewing behind his eyes. “What nonsense are you spouting?” he demanded, his voice laced with incredulity.

Without a moment’s hesitation, he pushed Vivian’s hand away, the chill in his gaze cutting deeper than any knife. The abruptness of his rejection left her reeling, tears threatening to spill over as confusion and hurt swirled within her. What had she done to deserve this? The question echoed in her mind, unanswered and painful.

But George had no time for her turmoil. He turned his back on Vivian, striding purposefully toward Louisa, who stood nearby, a smug smile playing on her lips.

Caden, witnessing this unfolding drama, quickly stepped in front of George, grabbing his arm with a firm grip. Lowering his voice to a tense whisper, he implored, “George, can you just take a breath for a second? The engagement has already been announced. Are you truly willing to humiliate my sister for that woman?”

George’s icy demeanor remained unyielding as he shot Caden a glare that could freeze fire. “Did I ever say I would marry her? You all acted without my consent. Let go of me!” His frustration was palpable, radiating off him like heat from a flame.

Caden felt a surge of anger rise within him. What was so wrong with marrying his sister? How could a daughter of the Price family be deemed inferior to Louisa, that mere secretary? Did George feel shortchanged somehow? But Caden, despite his fury, recognized the precariousness of the situation. He didn’t want to escalate this into something irreparable.

Taking a deep breath, he attempted to regain his composure. “Alright, let’s set aside Vivian’s situation for now. Today isn’t solely about you and Vivian—it’s about the Capulet Group and the Price Group. This is a performance, a show designed to strengthen the alliance between our companies. All these powerful families are watching.”

Caden’s voice softened slightly as he continued, “Even if you can’t think of Vivian, at least think about the Capulet Group, our joint projects with the Price Group, and the reputations of both our families.”

This seemed to penetrate George’s anger, and he took a deep breath, shaking off Caden’s hand as he walked over to Louisa. The crowd around them watched in wide-eyed fascination, the spectacle of two women vying for one man proving far more entertaining than any engagement party could hope to be.

Not wanting to become the subject of ridicule, George lowered his voice to Louisa, saying, “Don’t create a scene here. Go home first, and I’ll explain everything later.”

Hazel, unable to contain her fury, approached with a glare that could ignite flames. “What exactly are you trying to do?” she demanded, her voice trembling with barely contained rage.

Louisa laughed, a sound that was bright and defiantly challenging. “What am I doing?” she asked, glancing around at the assembled guests, her laughter ringing out like a bell. “My husband is publicly taking a concubine. As his lawful wife, how could I not come personally to give them my blessing?”

Her voice was pitched perfectly—not too loud, yet clear enough for everyone to hear. Instantly, a wave of shock rippled through the crowd.

Everyone was stunned into silence. Concubine? What did she mean? Was Louisa suggesting that she was George’s legitimate wife? Was this a provocation, or did she and George actually share a deeper connection? Speculations buzzed through the crowd like bees in a garden.

Vivian felt her mind unraveling. How could she, a daughter of the Price family, be subjected to such humiliation? She screamed, her voice cracking with hysteria, “Louisa, what garbage are you spewing? You’re just a shameless slut who crawled into George’s bed! He’s done with you! I’m his wife, I’m the legitimate one—”

“SILENCE!” George’s sharp command sliced through the air, halting her words mid-sentence. Vivian’s breath caught in her throat as she stared at him, disbelief etched on her face. “George…” Today was supposed to be a celebration of their engagement. Had she really said anything wrong? Tears of betrayal welled in her eyes.

Seeing her distress, Lily quickly moved to pull her into a comforting embrace. Other members of the Price family rushed forward, their protective instincts flaring.

Caden stepped closer to Louisa, his demeanor shifting to one of authority. “Ms. Forbes, this is my sister’s birthday celebration. You weren’t invited. Please leave immediately, or I’ll have to take action.”

“And what action might that be, Mr. Price?” Louisa asked, her confidence unwavering. She continued with a bright smile, “What right do you have to do anything? Just know this—in the old days, when men had multiple wives, she would have to respect me!”

Hazel’s threats spilled forth without a second thought.

George turned sharply to Louisa, his gaze piercing. “What settlement?”

The crowd buzzed with whispers, confusion spreading like wildfire. “What’s going on? Forging a marriage certificate? This Louisa is really brazen!”

“She took the money but still won’t back off—now she’s here to ruin everything. How greedy can she be?”

Contemptuous comments circulated through the crowd like a dark cloud.

Louisa, unfazed by the whispers and accusations, turned her focus back to Hazel. Now was the time to settle the score for all the slander and false accusations hurled her way.

With measured steps, Louisa advanced toward Hazel, her smile unwavering, yet her eyes glinted with a fierce determination.

Hazel instinctively backed away, fear creeping into her voice. “W-what are you doing?”

Louisa pressed forward relentlessly, like a shadow emerging from the depths of hell, her smile as radiant as ever. “Ms. Gray, you finally mentioned the settlement. I was afraid you wouldn’t bring it up!”