After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 76

**TITLE: Clocks Lie To Hearts by Asa River Flint**
**Chapter 76**

There was no doubt in her mind—amidst the chaos, she had kissed him.

Louisa’s thoughts raced back to that moment, her lips brushing against something cool and surprisingly alive. It was only now, in the aftermath, that she realized it had been his Adam’s apple. Oh God, the sheer horror of it all! Had she truly crossed a line and sexually harassed the notoriously reserved Julian on her very first day at work?

The realization sent a wave of embarrassment crashing over her, making her heart race. She found it impossible to meet his gaze, her eyes instead fixated on his throat where a faint red mark marred his pale skin. The humiliation was overwhelming, almost suffocating.

From above, Julian’s voice broke through her spiraling thoughts, laced with amusement. “Ms. Forbes, how long do you plan to stare?”

Louisa felt her cheeks heat up even more. Mortification washed over her like a tidal wave; she couldn’t hide from this forever. Summoning every ounce of courage, she forced herself to look up at him, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’m really sorry, Mr. Tudor. It wasn’t intentional.”

“Alright,” he nodded, his expression unreadable. “And then?”

Louisa’s mind went blank. What did he mean by “and then”? She had apologized—wasn’t that sufficient? Or was there more to it that she was missing?

Carefully selecting her words, she replied, “Mr. Tudor, please believe me, it truly wasn’t intentional. I wasn’t trying to, um… harass you.” The awkwardness hung heavily in the air, making her second-guess every syllable.

In the front seat, Teddy and Bob exchanged glances, nearly bursting into laughter. How could anyone possibly associate this stunning beauty with the word “harass”? It seemed absurd!

Julian maintained his calm demeanor, his brows slightly raised. “I know it wasn’t intentional. And then?”

Confusion washed over Louisa anew. What more did he want from her? She had no clue what her new boss was driving at. But one thing was clear—she couldn’t let him walk into the office with lipstick smeared on his neck.

Tentatively, she ventured, “Should I clean it off for you?”

He nodded, and a wave of relief washed over her. She quickly fished a tissue from her purse, eager to erase the evidence of her blunder.

However, in her haste, she had completely forgotten they were in a moving vehicle. Even if they weren’t bouncing around, how on earth could she reach across to clean his neck? He would need to turn toward her, face to face.

But Julian showed no inclination to move. Frustration bubbled within her, and she almost cried out. “Mr. Tudor, could you please cooperate?”

A half-smile danced on Julian’s lips, teasing yet charming. “You smudged lipstick on me, and now you want me to cooperate?”

Well, he was the boss—whatever he said went. With no other choice, she knelt on the seat, one hand resting on his shoulder for balance as she reached over with the tissue.

Her fingertips grazed his Adam’s apple through the thin tissue, sending a jolt of awareness through her. The sensation was far more vivid than before, and her fingers trembled involuntarily.

Just then, the car hit a bump.

Already precarious on her knees, she toppled forward against him, her soft breasts pressing into his shoulder. She felt him stiffen momentarily, her face igniting with embarrassment.

“Mr. Young, I know Investment is on the 24th floor. I can manage on my own—there’s no need to waste your time,” she said, casting a sidelong glance at him.

“Are you really sure about that? With me by your side, everything will go much smoother. You know, the newcomer stuff in the workplace,” Teddy replied, his tone earnest.

Many would have relished the opportunity to have his escort, but such offers were rare.

Louisa smiled at his prideful expression. “I truly appreciate your kindness.” Then, her tone shifted, becoming more serious. “But I’d prefer to demonstrate my abilities, not rely on connections.”

After all, her relationship with Julian was tenuous at best. Making a grand entrance would only invite unwanted gossip.

Teddy hesitated, wanting to explain that this was Julian’s directive—he dared not disobey. But then, another thought struck him. “Do you know who the Investment Director is?”

“Who?” she asked, a hint of curiosity piqued by his solemn tone, which suggested someone significant.

“The Investment Director is Teresa Hughes, daughter of the Hughes family. Her mother is a close friend of our CEO’s mother. She grew up at Tudor Manor—essentially, she’s the Tudor family’s adopted daughter.”

His explanation was formal, almost rehearsed. But why mention this if that was all? Louisa’s lips curled into a slight smile. “Thank you for sharing that with me, Mr. Young.”

She couldn’t shake the feeling that Teresa might have some emotional connection with Julian. It made perfect sense—given Julian’s qualities, who could believe he had no women in his life?