After the Affair: Falling into a Billionaire's Arms Chapter 41

George frowned but said nothing as he carried Vivian away, leaving a chorus of whispers in their wake.

"Did you see that? The man said the woman he carried out wasn't the mistress."

"So the one inside must be the homewrecker?"

"I think so too. The one inside is prettier anyway—she definitely has what it takes to steal someone's husband."

Judgmental gazes turned toward Louisa, their eyes burning with contempt. Someone even spat in her direction.

"Disgusting! Breaking up someone's marriage is shameless. And to think I was nice to her just days ago!"

Louisa's face remained a mask of ice, not a single word escaping her lips.

Flora, unable to bear the insults hurled at her friend, was about to unleash her fury when Sadie pulled her back.

With a cool smile that could freeze fire, Sadie addressed the crowd. "Everyone, I'm Sadie from Guardian Law Firm. The young woman who was just carried away is Vivian Price of the Price family—twenty-five and unmarried."

Her voice dropped to a silky challenge. "And if she's unmarried, she can't possibly be anyone's wife, can she?"

With that final verbal dagger, she closed the door, shutting out the toxic voices that threatened to poison the air around them.

Flora rushed to Louisa's side, wrapping her in a protective embrace. "Don't take it to heart, sweetie. They're just ignorant people."

Louisa's laugh held no humor. "It doesn't matter."

Those who stood on moral high ground always waved justice's flag while attacking their chosen villains. In reality, hardly anyone had truly faced another's pain.

She didn't care about any of this. As for George, she cared even less. She also didn't care what kind of situation he might put her in.

After all, there were only 10 days left.

"Let's get hamburgers," she said, her casual tone belying the storm they'd just weathered.

---

Meanwhile, George took Vivian to see a doctor. Her face was badly swollen, an angry red testament to the confrontation. Having never experienced such humiliation, she was beside herself with indignation.

When Vivian's parents arrived, their gasps echoed through the sterile hospital corridor.

"What happened? Who did this to my daughter?" Owen Price demanded, his voice slicing through the air like a blade.

Lily Price gathered her daughter in her arms, maternal instinct flaring. "George, how could you let this happen? Weren't you together? How could you let someone hurt her like this?"

George had been feeling sorry for Vivian, but he wasn't a fool. If she hadn't gone looking for trouble in Louisa's room, her perfect cheek wouldn't now be marred by swelling.

His expression darkened at their accusations.

Vivian, ever the manipulator, quickly intervened. "Mom, Dad, it's not George's fault. Don't blame him."

She clutched George's hand, her eyes wide pools of practiced vulnerability. "They're just worried about me. Don't be angry."

Seeing her defend him despite her injuries, George's resolve melted. He pulled her into his arms, her familiar scent calming his irritation. "I'm not angry."

Lily opened her mouth to protest further, but Caden silenced her with a warning look. The message was clear: don't offend George.

Swallowing her rage, Lily asked what happened. Vivian, between delicate sobs, painted herself the innocent victim who merely wanted to see Louisa but was rewarded with violence.

Owen and Lily's fury ignited anew. A mere secretary with no family name or connections not only seduced George but dared to harm their precious daughter?

Without another word, they left George and Caden with Vivian and stormed off to confront the woman who had dared to cross them.

---

Night had fallen by now. Sadie and Flora had already left, leaving Louisa alone with her thoughts.

She closed her book and slipped from beneath the crisp hospital sheets, padding across the cold floor to lock the door before sleep claimed her.

Before her fingers could touch the handle, the door burst open with a violent thrust.

Lily Price stood there, her eyes twin flames of maternal rage.

"Are you Louisa Forbes?" she demanded, the question more accusation than inquiry.

Louisa took in the woman's face—the features that Vivian had inherited—and understood immediately. A humorless smile curved her lips. "Vivian's parents? What do you want?"

"What do we want?" Lily's laugh was sharp as broken glass.

Her gaze traveled over Louisa's unmade face and simple hospital gown. Despite the lack of artifice, Louisa's natural beauty shone through—high cheekbones, luminous skin, and eyes that held secrets.

Lily sneered, jealousy a bitter undercurrent in her voice. "Don't think that sleeping with George puts you on my daughter's level. Women like you are everywhere."

Her words dripped venom. "The Capulets will never accept you. George is just playing with you. If you're smart, you'll leave on your own!"

Rather than wilting under the verbal assault, Louisa's smile only deepened. "Mrs. Price, I wondered why you, upon learning your daughter was beaten, didn't come to return the favor."

Her voice was honey over steel. "Instead, you're trying to force me away from George. Are the Prices that desperate for a Capulet connection? Is your company going bankrupt?"

The barb struck true. Owen's face contorted with rage, his complexion darkening dangerously. "Who do you think you are to mock the Price family?"

Louisa nodded with mock sincerity. "You're right, Mr. Price. I'm nothing compared to you."

Her calm was infuriating. "Actually, I have no objection to leaving. It's George who won't let go. Instead of confronting me, perhaps you should persuade him. I promise I'll disappear without a backward glance."

Owen and Lily stood speechless, their rage meeting an immovable wall of composure. This wasn't the reaction of a typical young woman. Louisa's unflappable demeanor spoke of someone who had weathered far worse storms.

After a tense silence, Owen's voice dropped to a threatening whisper. "How much money do you want? Name your price."