After the Affair Falling into a Billionaire's Arms novel Chapter 77

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

**Chapter 77**

As Teddy stood there, he couldn’t help but notice the fleeting expression on Louisa’s face—a mix of surprise and contemplation. Was she misinterpreting his words? Just as he was about to clarify his intent, the elevator doors slid open with a soft ding, interrupting his thoughts.

“I’m heading up to report in,” Louisa announced, her tone casual yet purposeful.

The moment she stepped into the elevator and pressed the button for the 24th floor, the words Teddy had prepared evaporated from his mind, leaving him momentarily speechless.

Louisa, however, brushed aside any lingering thoughts about Teddy’s comments. To her, Teresa’s position held little significance; her focus was solely on carving out her own path in this corporate landscape, far removed from the intricate web of office politics.

The Investment Department was a powerhouse within the Tudor Group, a cornerstone that tackled high-stakes projects—equity mergers, acquisitions, brand optimization, and meticulous risk assessments. They were the go-to team for resolving challenging projects, often collaborating across various departments to ensure success.

It was a realm that attracted the crème de la crème of talent, drawing in individuals from diverse backgrounds, all eager to contribute to the Tudor Group’s illustrious reputation.

As Louisa stepped out of the elevator, a brisk draft greeted her, sending a shiver down her spine. She paused for a moment, taking in the sweeping curves of the floor, which offered an impressive vista of the city below. The office was a testament to modern design, equipped with cutting-edge technology that buzzed with life.

Everywhere she looked, colleagues were immersed in their tasks—some poring over documents at their desks, others engaged in animated phone conversations, while small clusters of employees huddled together, deep in discussion.

The atmosphere was vibrant yet professional; everyone donned impeccably tailored suits that spoke of their commitment to excellence. It was no surprise that the Tudor Group, as the leading company in Silverlight City, attracted only the best of the best. Amidst the flurry of activity, Louisa felt like a newcomer in a world where everyone was too engrossed in their work to notice her arrival.

Without wasting time on formal introductions, she approached a nearby colleague and asked for directions to the director’s office. With a nod of thanks, she headed straight there, her mind focused and determined.

She knocked on the door, and upon hearing a curt “Come in,” she entered with purpose.

Behind the desk sat a striking woman clad in a crisp white suit, her age around twenty-eight. Shoulder-length hair framed her face, while blood-red lips and flawless makeup gave her an almost regal presence—an ice queen, if you will.

Louisa had anticipated a certain elegance from the daughter of the Tudor and Hughes families, but this frosty demeanor was unexpected. Yet, she reminded herself, a woman in such a high-ranking position could hardly afford to lack authority.

Teresa’s sharp gaze swept over Louisa, and the first word that came to mind was: beautiful. Not just beautiful—she was vibrant and dazzling, yet there was a chill to her allure that set Louisa on edge.

An inexplicable tension hung in the air, as if a storm were brewing just beneath the surface. Louisa felt the weight of Teresa’s scrutiny and instinctively crossed her arms, leaning back slightly as if to assert her own presence.

“So you’re the project manager Mr. Tudor personally recruited? I expected someone with exceptional abilities. Instead, we got a beauty queen,” Teresa remarked, her tone laced with condescension.

On the surface, the words appeared complimentary, but Louisa quickly caught the underlying implication—that her hiring was based on her looks rather than her skills.

Rather than allowing anger to surface, Louisa chose to rise above it, treating Teresa’s words as inconsequential. A faint smile danced on her lips as she replied, “Thank you for the flattery, Ms. Hughes. Yes, Mr. Tudor personally recruited me.”

“Go to the archives and gather the necessary materials. You need to review all of the Tudor Group’s project files from the past five years by today. If you don’t complete it by tomorrow morning, you’ll lose points, which will directly impact your chances of securing a permanent position,” Teresa continued, her voice unwavering.

Louisa nodded again, her expression betraying nothing. “I understand. But what if I do finish? Do I get bonus points?”

The question was a clear provocation, a challenge that Teresa had never encountered from a new hire. She clenched her jaw, irritation bubbling beneath the surface.

“You won’t finish,” Teresa replied through gritted teeth, her composure slipping.

Louisa met her gaze with a knowing smile, her expression suggesting: “So, you’re setting me this impossible task because you’re convinced I can’t complete it? This feels like targeted harassment.”

Under Louisa’s unwavering gaze, Teresa felt belittled and mocked, her authority undermined by this newcomer. She needed to reclaim her power in this exchange.

With a forced smile, she said, “Ms. Forbes, if you have any other questions, feel free to approach me anytime.”

Louisa nodded politely, “OK!”

With a dismissive wave, Teresa signaled that their meeting was over. As Louisa exited the office and closed the door behind her, she couldn’t help but chuckle at the amusing verbal sparring match they’d just engaged in.

This Teresa was certainly a force to be reckoned with. It was Louisa’s first day, their initial encounter—what had she done to provoke such a reaction?