After the Affair: Falling into a Billionaire's Arms Chapter 13

George stormed out, slamming the door behind him, his face twisted with anger.

Louisa, on the other hand, didn't even flinch.

She took her time making herself a fancy breakfast, enjoyed it, and then decided to hit the shops with Flora.

Her new place was almost set up, just needed some furniture to finish it off.

Flora had a pretty open schedule, so Louisa dragged her along for a shopping spree.

For the next few days, it was all about shopping, shopping, shopping.

Today, they were at a home goods store checking out rugs and started chatting about work.

Flora asked, "So, what's the game plan?"

Louisa, flipping through sofa options, said, "Not sure yet. Haven't found the right gig. I'm just gonna wait it out. Maybe the headhunters will come through with something good."

Flora nodded, "Makes sense. You've been grinding for ages. No need to rush into anything. Take this time to chill, see what's out there, and wait for the right thing to come along."

Louisa nodded back.

They picked out a sofa. Pointing to a cream-colored set, Louisa told the salesperson, "I'll take this one. I'll give you the address for delivery."

"Sure thing."

The salesperson took her card and handed her a small notebook. "Could you jot down the delivery address?"

Louisa took it.

As she was writing, her phone buzzed.

She glanced at the screen and saw it was Julian calling.

Since their awkward chat that day, they hadn't spoken.

She had found designer Evelyn, who luckily had Julian's measurements on file since he was a regular. She had a suit custom-made for him, planning to send it to the Tudor Group to avoid any awkward run-ins.

She hadn't expected him to call out of nowhere.

After a moment's pause, she answered, "Mr. Tudor."

Julian's voice came through, "Can you swing by Fortune Tower?"

Louisa was caught off guard.

Why was he reaching out all of a sudden? Did he need something?

She had no qualms about this man who had once saved her life, so she instinctively replied, "I can be there in fifteen minutes."

"No rush. Just get here safe. I'll text you the address."

His deep, smooth voice had a hint of amusement and a magnetic charm that lingered in her ears.

She politely acknowledged and hung up.

Flora, who had been shamelessly eavesdropping on her shoulder, couldn't help herself. "Mr. Tudor's voice is so smooth and nice. He even told you to be safe. Spill it, what's going on between you two?"

"What could possibly be going on? Have you been single so long that you see something in everything?"

Louisa didn't dwell on it, finished writing the address, and told Flora, "You know my home's passcode. Could you take them there? I'll treat you to dinner tonight."

"OK, OK! Go on!" Flora gave her a bright grin.

…

Louisa followed the GPS to Fortune Tower, and the elevator stopped on the 22nd floor.

As she stepped out, she was surprised by the bustling scene, filled with many familiar faces.

Before Louisa could wrap her head around the scene, Teddy showed up.

He approached her with a respectful nod, "Ms. Forbes, Mr. Tudor asked me to meet you here. Please, follow me."

Louisa nodded and followed.

Fortune Tower was the biggest commercial building in Silverlight City, and they weaved through the bustling crowd, passing a huge conference hall.

She peeked inside and saw "Tudor Group Bidding Conference" displayed prominently on a large screen.

Louisa was puzzled. Why had Julian invited her to the Tudor Group's bidding conference?

As she mulled it over, Teddy stopped in front of a door.

He knocked, and Julian's deep, cool voice came through, "Come in."

Teddy opened the door and gestured for Louisa to enter, "Ms. Forbes, please."

Louisa nodded and stepped inside.

Julian was at his desk, going over some documents.

Sunlight streamed in, casting a golden glow on his handsome profile, giving him an air of serene, untouchable nobility.

Even though this was only her second formal meeting with him, Louisa was still struck by his presence.

But it was just an appreciation of beauty, nothing more.

She walked in calmly, "Mr. Tudor."

Julian motioned for her to sit, "Please, have a seat."

Louisa sat down across from him, the wide desk between them.

He got straight to the point, "I asked you here to represent the Tudor Group at today's bidding conference."

He slid a document across the desk to her, "This is our bidding project proposal. Take a look."

Louisa was taken aback by his directness and took a moment to respond, "I'm not part of the Tudor Group."

"No matter." His response was casual.

Louisa was at a loss for words.

He was the boss, after all. What he said went.

Besides, she still owed him for saving her life, so she didn't argue further.

She picked up the project proposal and began reading it carefully.

The document was concise and to the point, and she finished it in under ten minutes.

Closing the proposal, she immediately switched to work mode and asked, "When does the bidding conference start?"

Julian checked his watch, "In fifteen minutes. You have plenty of time, you—"

"I'll go prepare now." She quickly cut him off and left the room.

She wasn't sure what he was going to say next, but the atmosphere with him was too tense.

She was worried he might bring up that day's incident, so she figured since he had asked, she would do it.

Choosing the best company to partner with the Tudor Group would repay his kindness, and she wouldn't feel any pressure afterward.

Julian watched her hurried exit, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Soon after, Teddy came in.

He was carrying two cups of coffee, but seeing only his boss, he paused, "Where's Ms. Forbes?"

Julian picked up a remote and turned on a screen, which displayed the conference hall. Louisa's figure appeared shortly after.

She confidently strode to the bidding table and took her seat.

Before long, the bidding conference began.