After the Affair: Falling into a Billionaire's Arms Chapter 19

"Louisa Forbes!" Hazel was fuming, slamming her hand on the table and pointing at Louisa. "Don't push it, Louisa! You really think I'd just take off with your cash?"

"Who knows?" Louisa replied with a calm smile. "Better safe than sorry, right? Gotta look out for myself."

Hazel realized all her tricks were useless against Louisa.

After a long pause, Hazel gritted out, "Fine!"

Louisa moved quickly, calling Sadie to draft a contract. She printed it out in her study and signed it with Hazel right there.

As Hazel stormed out, she shot Louisa a venomous look. "No wonder George is all about Vivian now and won't even look your way. You're just not worth it."

With that, she left without a backward glance.

It was a sharp jab, and it hit home.

Louisa leaned back against the sofa, resting her head on the soft cushion, staring at the chandelier. After a moment, she laughed, swallowing the bitterness in her eyes.

Is this what they call victim-blaming?

George was the one who cheated, yet somehow she, Louisa, was at fault?

What kind of twisted logic was that?

She wiped all emotion from her face, got up, changed into a light, comfortable business outfit, and headed to the Capulet Group.

At the Capulet Group, the entire marketing department was under a cloud of gloom.

Seeing Louisa, everyone lit up as if they'd seen a savior and rushed over to her.

Someone grabbed her arm.

Someone hugged her waist.

Someone buried their face in her chest, whining.

"Ms. Forbes, thank goodness you're here. We can't take it anymore."

"Seriously, I've got my resignation letter ready."

"Sure, the Capulet Group has great benefits, but working under an idiot? I'm just about to develop a stress ulcer."

The "idiot" they referred to was, of course, Vivian.

Louisa looked at the whining girls, who were usually so tough and decisive in the business world, now acting like little girls.

She patted their heads. "Alright, enough with the drama."

The other men in the department couldn't act like that, but they were just as happy to see Louisa back. They quickly made coffee and pulled out chairs.

"Ms. Forbes, have a seat!"

"Ms. Forbes, here's some coffee!"

Louisa chatted with them, enjoying the camaraderie.

...

Meanwhile, upstairs in George's office.

George was at his desk, working. Since Louisa left, his workload had definitely increased.

Vivian sat on the sofa, munching on chips, occasionally glancing at him. She knew the mess she'd made in the marketing department, and although he hadn't blamed her, she was careful not to provoke him during this tense time.

Just then, Jared knocked and entered, looking pleased. "Mr. Capulet, Mrs..."

He almost said Mrs. Capulet but caught himself when he saw Vivian. "Ms. Forbes, Ms. Forbes is back, and she's down in marketing now."

George's eyebrows shot up, and a grin slowly spread across his face.

He knew she couldn't just walk away from the Capulet Group.

He nodded and told Jared, "Keep tabs on her situation. Whatever she needs—people, resources—make sure she gets it."

"Yes, sir!" Jared left, practically skipping.

Vivian, hearing Louisa's name, suddenly found her chips tasteless.

Why did everything shift the moment Louisa showed up? Even George seemed more at ease.

What did Louisa have that she didn't?

Unwilling to accept it, Vivian put down her chips, slipped on her pink slippers, and walked over to George, sitting on his lap.

She wrapped her arms around his neck, pouting. "George, are you not into me anymore?"

Her voice was soft and sweet, a far cry from her usual brashness.

George chuckled, tapping her nose affectionately. "Why would you think that?"

Vivian said, "I messed up so much in the marketing department. I thought you'd be mad."

George reassured her, "You're still getting the hang of the department's rhythm and processes. Mistakes happen. Don't sweat it."

Hearing this, Vivian beamed and gave him a big kiss on the cheek. "I knew it, you're the best. You never get mad at me."

...

Back in the marketing department.

Since Vivian had taken over Louisa's office, Louisa didn't even have her own space. She just sat in the employee area.

But that didn't diminish the sense of strength she brought with her.

Even if she did nothing but sit there, it was enough to put everyone at ease.

The entire marketing team quickly got back to work.

Those with questions came to her for advice, and she effortlessly helped them solve problem after problem.

Jared stood outside the department, watching the clear, focused atmosphere inside, almost moved to tears.

Louisa was indeed the key.

With her here, everything was different. It wouldn't be long before the marketing department was back to normal.

But seeing her without an office made Jared feel a pang of sympathy. He turned and headed to George's office.

George, seeing Jared had something to say, sent Vivian out and asked, "What's up? Spill."

Jared reported the current situation and added, "I think Mrs. Capulet is being treated unfairly. She deserves her own office, and the marketing department really can't do without her."

The first part was fine, but the last sentence made George's expression turn cold. "What did you say?"

Jared realized his mistake and quickly apologized. "I'm sorry, Mr. Capulet."

George valued talent but would never allow the Capulet Group to become dependent on any one person.

Jared didn't dare say more and prepared to leave.

George added, "Book a restaurant for me and order the latest Cartier jewelry set."