After the Affair: Falling into a Billionaire's Arms Chapter 31

At the top of the pile was the torn-up book.

The already fragile pages were now a mess, with the cover split into several pieces and hastily taped back together.

Julian glanced at it nonchalantly. "Nice job with the tape."

Then he shifted his gaze away and elegantly took a bite of his steak.

Louisa, who had resigned herself to her fate, stayed silent.

That's it?

Realizing she needed to say more, she quickly added, "Some of the text was unreadable, so I reconstructed the content as best as I could and hand-copied the entire book for easier reading."

"Very meticulous." Another compliment.

Louisa felt so ashamed she couldn't lift her head. If she had been truly meticulous, the book wouldn't have been torn to shreds in the first place.

A centuries-old rare book, ruined by her hands. And he was still so calm?

Unexpectedly, Julian's first reaction to her words was to look at her hands.

Her once smooth and elegant hands, now covered in several band-aids, were a stark contrast.

His usually cool and indifferent eyes darkened slightly. "It's just a book. No need to hurt yourself over it. And don't think you can skip work because of a few cuts. You're coming on the business trip with me tomorrow." His tone was cold, with an undeniable authority.

Louisa forgot about the book for a moment, blinking in surprise. "Business trip?"

"Not willing?"

"Of course, I am!" She didn't hesitate.

Julian looked up at her. "You're that happy to work?" There was a hint of a smile and a touch of indulgence in his voice.

Louisa didn't notice, just nodded. "I'll work hard."

Besides, she really didn't want to stay at home anymore.

She'd rather let work consume her time and energy than face George every day.

Julian nodded. "Send your ID info to Teddy so he can book your flight. We'll meet at the airport at 7:45 AM."

Louisa agreed without hesitation.

When they finished dinner and parted ways, he took the hand-copied book with him, leaving the torn one for her to take back, saying the hand-copied version was complete and therefore more valuable.

Louisa couldn't understand her boss's logic. Weren't ancient books more valuable, even if they were torn?

She couldn't figure it out, so she decided not to dwell on it.

Back home, she started packing for the trip.

Since most of her personal belongings had already been moved, she only had some clothes, toiletries, and important documents left, which were easy to pack.

In less than ten minutes, she had everything in her suitcase.

When George came back, he was carrying some of her favorite snacks.

He had planned to have a good talk and ease the tension between them, but he was surprised to see her closing her suitcase.

He frowned. "I thought your trip was canceled?"

"It was," she replied coolly.

"Then why are you packing?"

"Business trip."

George's frown deepened. "What business trip? You quit your job."

Louisa gave him a cold look. "Yes, I quit." Meaning, he had no say in what she did.

But George wasn't about to let it go.

Realizing what was happening, his face darkened. "You found a new job?"

"Yes."

Seeing her attitude, George's anger flared. "I told you, you can come back to the Capulet Group anytime. You can be my secretary or go back to the marketing department, your choice. But instead, you found another job?"

He was getting more and more furious, barely containing his anger. "I don't care which company you joined, quit immediately. Do you hear me?" His tone was commanding, leaving no room for refusal.

But Louisa wasn't about to back down. She looked at him. "George, you know my personality. Once I decide something, I don't change my mind."

George felt a sudden panic, gripping her hand tightly. "You're still mad about Vivian, aren't you? I've explained it to you. She's like a sister to me. Yes, she's playful and says silly things, but there's nothing between us. And the Capulet Group and the Price Group are signing the contract any day now. Can't you think about the company and stop causing trouble?"

His last sentence made her laugh out loud.

George stared at her. "What's so funny?"

Louisa kept laughing, cold and mocking. "George, do you even hear yourself? When your Vivi causes trouble, you think it's cute. I do nothing, and you think I'm causing trouble. 

"The difference in your feelings is so obvious. Why do you keep facing someone you dislike every day? Why not just divorce me?"

"I never said I disliked you." He denied it immediately, pulling her into his arms. "And don't mention divorce again. We're not getting divorced."

Louisa glanced at the calendar on the nightstand. Only 13 days left. Fine.

She didn't argue further, pushing him away. "I get it. Let go, I need to rest."

George thought she wasn't angry anymore and let her go. "Which company did you join? I'll handle your resignation."

"I'm not quitting." There was no room for negotiation.

George's briefly relaxed expression tightened again. "We agreed you could come back to the Capulet Group anytime. Why..."

He suddenly remembered her recent interactions with Julian.

He stared at her. "Is it the Tudor Group? Are you going on a trip with Julian tomorrow?"

Louisa didn't respond, which was answer enough.

George immediately said, "You're not going! I don't agree!"

"Whether you agree or not, I'm going!"

"Louisa!" He roared in anger.

But on this matter, she was firm.

George stared at her for a long moment, then nodded, gritting his teeth. "Fine, try it. Let's see if you can."

"George..."

Realizing what he was about to do, she rushed forward, but he was faster, grabbing her phone and locking the door from the outside.

Louisa was furious, pounding on the door. "George, open the door! Open it now!"