Web Novel
After the Affair: Falling into a Billionaire's Arms Chapter 17
In the living room, George glanced up from his phone just in time to catch the scene unfolding before him.
Something about Louisa had been off lately, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it.
It was like trying to hold onto water—she was slipping through his fingers.
This feeling made him uneasy, unable to just leave things as they were.
As Louisa was heading back to her room, he called out to her, "Hey, can we talk?"
"About what?" she replied, her tone cool.
He hesitated for a moment, then finally spoke, "If you really love working so much, why not go back to the Capulet Group, back to the marketing department?"
He knew her heart was in marketing; it was where she had poured all her energy.
Louisa said nothing, just looked at him quietly.
He reached out, gently touching her long hair, his voice carrying a softness he hadn't shown in a while. "I thought it would be best for you to take a break, focus on your health, and just be my wife. But if work makes you happy, then go back. As long as you're happy."
He made it sound like he cared so much.
But in reality?
She looked at him with eyes that seemed to see right through him. "What, did your Vivi mess up the marketing department?"
Did he want her to come back and clean up the mess?
While she was working herself to the bone for him, he was off vacationing with his Vivi, living it up?
And then when they returned, he'd kick her to the curb, letting Vivian steal her hard work and flaunt it in her face?
He was truly selfish and hypocritical.
George saw the cold smile on her lips and called out, "Louisa!"
"No." She refused coldly and turned to go upstairs.
George was fuming.
Just then, his phone rang again. It was Jared calling.
"Mr. Capulet, you need to come to the office right away. The marketing department is in chaos."
Listening to Jared, George grabbed his car keys and headed out.
By now, it was dark, well past quitting time.
But most of the marketing department was still there, working overtime in a state of emergency.
Everyone had their own projects to handle, and they reported to George one by one.
"Mr. Capulet, we've got a problem with a batch of materials, which means this batch of products can't go into production, and the shipping schedule will definitely be delayed."
"Mr. Capulet, if the shipping is delayed, we'll have to pay penalties to our partners."
"Mr. Capulet, I went to the Diaz Group to sign a contract today, and what was a sure thing, they suddenly backed out and won't continue working with us."
"Mr. Capulet, there's also..."
One problem after another made George's expression grow darker.
He tapped the table, trying to keep his anger in check. "One at a time. Let's start with the materials issue. Our supplier has been with us for years without any problems. How did this suddenly happen?"
The staff member responsible quickly chimed in, "Everything was fine until Ms. Price came in and said the supplier's materials were too expensive.
"Ms. Forbes had secured this supplier, but... Ms. Price accused her of having an improper relationship with them, claiming she was taking kickbacks. So she insisted on switching to a cheaper supplier, and that's when the problems started."
"Exactly, my project was a sure thing, and it wouldn't have fallen apart if it weren't for her arrogant meddling."
When it came to Vivian, everyone was full of complaints.
Some even threatened to quit on the spot.
George rubbed his aching temples.
That night, he worked late into the night, finally managing to stabilize the chaos, and by the time he got home, it was nearly dawn.
But while problems could be solved, people were another matter.
Most of the marketing team were Louisa's loyal followers, devoted to her.
Now, the place was a mess, with everyone grumbling and even slacking off.
This situation was beyond anyone's control—except Louisa.
George sat wearily on the living room sofa, rubbing his temples.
Before he knew it, morning had come.
Louisa came downstairs, freshly washed and dressed, and paused when she saw him sitting there like a statue.
She had slept well last night, so well that she hadn't even noticed when he came home.
George heard her and looked over.
Today was the day she was set to leave for Snowlandia.
She had traded her usual business attire for a casual khaki dress and a light blue cotton shirt, her long hair cascading over her shoulders.
Compared to her usual look, today she had a fresh, artsy vibe.
George's eyes lit up as he watched her, but he said nothing.
Louisa was in a good mood. With plenty of time before her departure, she headed to the kitchen to make some breakfast, casually asking, "Want something to eat?"
George, seeing her so cheerful, felt even more annoyed.
He followed her to the dining room, his face dark as he asked, "What time's your flight?"
"I'll head out after breakfast."
So she didn't make much, just a cup of coffee and three sandwiches. One for herself, the other two for Flora and Sadie.
George hadn't said he wanted any, so she wasn't about to assume.
As she ate, she ignored him, leisurely enjoying her meal while scrolling through the news on her phone.
Her relaxed demeanor made George grit his teeth.
"Cancel today's plans," he suddenly said.
Louisa paused mid-bite and looked at him.
George elaborated, "You can travel anytime, but the marketing department needs you now. Once things are stable, I'll go with you."
His matter-of-fact tone almost made Louisa laugh out loud.
She looked at him, amused. "But I don't want to cancel today's plans."
She was going on this trip to get away from him. And he thought she'd change her plans just to wait for him?
George's face darkened. "Louisa, you're my wife. You have a responsibility to the Capulet Group!"