After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 6

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

Louisa spun around abruptly, a bright smile illuminating her face. “It seems that we won’t be able to enjoy this fish after all. No matter—let’s have the restaurant prepare something new for us.”

She paused for a moment, her gaze drifting toward the table laden with the fish platter. “However,” she continued, her tone light yet pointed, “I’ve heard that all the fish caught by the restaurant today are quite substantial. I’m afraid this plate might not suffice. And I doubt the restaurant has any larger platters available.”

Her implication hung in the air like a charged whisper: while the Capulet Group may not have been the Taylor Group’s first choice, the requirements set forth by the Taylor Group were simply too grand. The Capulet Group was, in fact, the only company equipped to manage the entire scope of the project.

This was the very reason the Taylor Group had initially opted for the Capulet Group.

Louisa’s message was crystal clear—she had thoroughly researched the Taylor Group. They had no other viable options, and they certainly shouldn’t think of exploiting this situation to their advantage.

George felt a wave of relief wash over him. Louisa was in control, and she knew exactly what she was doing.

David, on the other hand, wore an awkward expression, his jaw clenched as he forced a compliment through gritted teeth. “Looks like you’ve done your homework quite well.”

In response, Louisa raised her glass, her smile unwavering. “Mr. Foster, you do flatter me. Cheers!”

With that, the meeting continued without further incident, and the contract was signed successfully, sealing the deal that both parties had worked so hard to negotiate.

However, beneath her composed exterior, Louisa felt herself fading rapidly. A fierce, burning sensation clawed at her stomach, making her feel as though she were engulfed in flames. Her complexion turned ghostly pale as her vision blurred, beads of sweat forming on her brow, soaking through her blouse.

Another drink could very well be the end of her.

Yet, David persisted, refilling her glass with alarming frequency. His intentions had become painfully transparent.

Since he couldn’t negotiate better terms from the Capulet Group, he seemed determined to make Louisa pay in a far more personal way.

Vivian, ever the observant one, noticed Louisa’s pained expression and smirked coldly, a glimmer of malice dancing in her eyes. She was eager to witness how Louisa would navigate this precarious situation without George’s protective presence.

With this thought in mind, Vivian turned to George, her demeanor shifting to that of a delicate, innocent young woman. “George, I’m feeling quite tired. The smell of alcohol is making me nauseous. Would you mind taking me home first?”

“Well…” George hesitated, instinctively glancing at Louisa, as if seeking her approval.

Vivian seized the moment, grabbing his hand and looking up at him with pleading eyes, her voice dripping with sweet charm. “George.”

George weighed his options. Louisa would likely need another twenty minutes to finalize everything—just enough time for him to escort Vivian home.

David, sensing an opportunity, chimed in, “Mr. Capulet, go ahead and take your assistant home. Ms. Forbes can stay and enjoy a few more drinks with me.”

George nodded coolly, addressing Louisa. “I’m leaving this in your capable hands. I’ll take her home first.”

Without waiting for Louisa’s input, he shrugged on his coat and exited with Vivian by his side.

He completely overlooked the triumphant smirk Vivian shot at Louisa as they departed—a blatant taunt that seemed to say, “Louisa, I can’t wait to see how you manage to escape this!”

Louisa’s fists clenched tightly at her sides. As the door clicked shut behind them, a chill crept through her veins.

Could George really not see that David was intent on taking advantage of her, that he had been plying her with drinks to weaken her defenses?

Damn it! Damn George!

For Vivian’s sake, he seemed utterly unconcerned about the potential ruin of his project.

He lunged forward, reaching out to grab her.

Louisa reacted quickly, dodging his grasp and calling out toward the door. “Mrs. Foster!”

Years of marriage had conditioned David to instinctively turn his head toward the sound of his wife’s name.

In that fleeting moment, Louisa summoned every ounce of her remaining strength and bolted for the exit.

Realizing he’d been outsmarted, David cursed and pursued her with furious determination.

Louisa could barely stand, let alone run. She prayed desperately to encounter any staff member who could help her.

But fate was unkind, and no one was in sight as she burst through the door. Moments later, David caught up with her.

He leered at her with a predatory grin, licking his lips as if savoring the moment. “Bitch, let’s see how you escape this time.”

Before he could finish his taunt, he seized her wrist, dragging her back toward the room.

Instinctively, she reached out with her other hand, desperately clutching the edge of a windowsill.

But she had consumed far too much alcohol that night, and with her stomach roiling, it felt as though fire coursed through her veins.

The little strength she had left was evaporating rapidly.

She felt herself slipping into despair, her fingers gradually loosening their grip on the windowsill. With a malicious grin, David pulled her back toward the room, sealing her fate.