After the Affair: Falling into a Billionaire's Arms Chapter 44

Louisa rolled her eyes at Flora's shocked expression. "What kind of question is that? Everyone has a father. I didn't just materialize out of thin air like some fairy."

"But you never mentioned him before! We all thought..." Flora trailed off, not wanting to say they assumed her parents were gone.

"I'll tell you about it another time," Louisa said, closing the subject.

---

Meanwhile, just as Flora had predicted, the Price family was furious about the online backlash.

Except for Vivian, the family sat in their living room, all wearing dark expressions.

"Caden, have you found out who's behind this attack on our family?" Lily demanded, glaring at her son.

Caden shook his head, frowning. "No."

"Could it be that Louisa?" Owen muttered.

Lily immediately objected. "How could it be? That Louisa has nothing. How would she dare go against us?"

"Maybe not her directly, but someone backing her," Owen replied. "There's something strange about that Louisa. Something dangerous."

Lily disagreed. She thought Louisa was nobody special, certainly not capable of orchestrating something like this.

"Who did it doesn't matter anymore," Caden interjected. "The question is, how do we fix this?"

They couldn't let people keep talking like this. The Price family's reputation was at stake.

Owen thought for a moment before turning to his son. "Does George know about this? What's his position? Is he with us?"

"People are selfish and care about their own reputation," Caden replied. "He was angry about the rumors saying he was dating two women at once. He was going to confront Louisa, but strangely, those voices disappeared quickly. I don't know what he's thinking now."

Owen nodded. "Keep an eye on George. Whether Louisa is behind this or not, find a way to create conflict between them."

He then turned to his wife. "Lily, go find Hazel."

Lily nodded. "I understand, but what should I say to her?"

"No matter what we do, it's just our word against theirs. That won't stop the public backlash," Owen explained. "We need Hazel to step forward. If she acknowledges Vivian's position, we can turn this around. You need to convince Hazel to speak up."

"I understand."

The family split up to carry out their plans.

---

After making sure Vivian was asleep, George suddenly thought of Louisa.

With all of Vivian's drama these past few days, he hadn't been able to check on Louisa. He wondered how she was doing.

He remembered how calm she'd been when he left her hospital room, how she'd stopped Flora and Sadie from making a scene. She'd been so composed, as if there was nothing between them.

As if she weren't his wife at all.

His heart ached. He couldn't stay away any longer.

After tucking Vivian in, he left for Louisa's hospital room.

To his surprise, when he opened the door, she was already dressed and packing her things.

His heart raced with panic. "Honey, where are you going?"

She gave him a strange half-smile. "I'm better now, so I'm being discharged."

Only seven days left, she thought. She wanted to spend them in peace, without wasting energy on him.

George should have been relieved to see her so calm, but for some reason, it made him more anxious.

He approached her cautiously and reached for her hand.

She didn't pull away.

Encouraged, he held her hand and explained, "I know I shouldn't have left you that day, but Vivian was badly hurt. I had to take her away first. You understand, right?"

Louisa smiled gently. "Of course I understand. The Capulet Group and Price Group are partners. You couldn't ignore her."

She'd given him the perfect excuse.

George relaxed a little and pulled her into his arms. "I'm so glad you understand. Let's not fight anymore, okay? I'll take you home."

"That won't be necessary."

She calmly pushed him away, still smiling. "Ms. Price will probably wake up soon. You should go back to her. I'll leave with Flora and stay at her place for a week. She's free these days, so we'll hang out. I'll come home after that."

She didn't say that when she returned, it would be to discuss divorce. She just wanted George to leave her alone for this final week.

George frowned slightly. "You're staying at her place that long?"

"It's just a week," Louisa laughed. "Besides, Ms. Price probably won't be discharged by then anyway, right?"

George flinched, avoiding her eyes. "Her condition should be much better by then."

It was just a slap, after all. How serious could it be? The truth was that the Price family was in hot water, and Vivian was clinging to George, not letting him leave.

Louisa knew all this but didn't call him out.

Him staying with Vivian was actually good for her. This way, she wouldn't have to face him.

She gave him a gentle smile. "You should get back. I need to leave too."

Seeing her apparent "understanding," George hugged her tightly. "I love you."

Louisa said nothing.

But when he couldn't see her face, a cold light flashed in her beautiful eyes.

After he left, Flora returned with the discharge papers.

They gathered their belongings and left.

Of course, Louisa had lied to George about staying at Flora's place. She didn't want to reveal her real address.

In truth, she was heading to her own home—a modest duplex apartment that truly belonged to her.

Flora drove her there.

As soon as Louisa opened the door, before she could even see inside, a loud noise exploded in her ears.