After the Affair: Falling into a Billionaire's Arms Chapter 46

Louisa didn't think much of it, just assuming the call was work-related as she reached for her phone.

Flora quickly intercepted her. "Wait! Think about what you're going to say first."

"Exactly," Sadie added. "If Mr. Tudor is calling now, he must know something. There's a ninety percent chance he'll help you—this is our opportunity. You need to play up the sympathy card."

Louisa rolled her eyes. "You guys are overthinking this."

True, the Tudor Group dominated Silverlight City's business landscape, and even the seven major families wouldn't dare cross the Tudor family.

But one person could only fight so many battles. If the Capulet Group and Price Group joined forces out of desperation, even Julian might struggle against them.

She didn't want to cause him more trouble.

Ignoring Flora and Sadie's hints, she answered directly, "Mr. Tudor."

A cool acknowledgment came from the other end.

Louisa was about to ask what he needed when she heard airport announcements in the background.

"You're returning from a business trip?" she asked instinctively.

"Yes. I returned to find you dominating the headlines. Seems you've been keeping busy on your days off, Ms. Forbes."

Louisa was speechless.

She didn't believe Julian, with his countless responsibilities, had called just to mock her. He must be concerned that her controversy would bring negative publicity to the Tudor Group after she started working there.

"I'll handle it," she assured him quickly. "It won't cause any trouble for you, Mr. Tudor."

Julian asked, "How do you plan to handle it?"

Louisa paused, surprised he wanted to discuss it further. She tried organizing her thoughts, but she hadn't actually figured out a plan yet.

Finally, she admitted honestly, "I haven't decided how to handle it yet. For now, I suppose I'll just have to wait and swallow my pride."

She had no other options. She didn't want to storm over and fall into Hazel's trap, but she also couldn't stay silent while they bullied her.

The only solution was to wait. Fortunately, the divorce cooling-off period would end in just a few days. Then she could strike back.

There was a brief silence on the other end.

Louisa thought he was worried about the Tudor Group's reputation. She was about to reassure him again—even if it meant not taking the job at his company. She wasn't afraid of finding work elsewhere.

But before she could speak, Julian said, "I understand."

His tone remained neutral, revealing no emotion.

"When there are no immediate options, patience is indeed the best strategy. Get some rest." Then he hung up.

Louisa hadn't even processed what had just happened. What was that all about?

Meanwhile, Flora and Sadie were practically bursting with excitement.

Sadie nudged her. "You said Mr. Tudor wouldn't help, but from where I'm standing, you've already won without saying a word."

Louisa looked bewildered. "What nonsense are you talking about?"

Flora hugged Louisa from the side, wearing a dreamy expression. "Didn't you feel that sense of security even through the phone?"

"What are you two going on about?" Louisa asked, completely confused.

Flora explained, "Trust me, Louisa. Mr. Tudor never initiates conversations with women. The fact that he personally called you—don't you understand what that means?"

"What? He didn't say anything!" Louisa protested. He had just teased her a bit and then said he understood. She didn't even know what he understood.

She decided to ignore them and got up to get some water.

Flora threw up her hands. "Are you still in denial? Based on what I know about Mr. Tudor, if he's not interested in you, I'll wash my hair while doing a handstand!"

"I'll eat shit upside down!" Sadie chimed in.

Louisa, who had been drinking water, sprayed it everywhere.

---

Meanwhile, on the way home from the airport.

After hanging up, Julian's lips curved into a faint smile, but his eyes were cold as he instructed Teddy, "Freeze the project loans for the Capulet Group and Price Group."

Teddy nearly slammed on the brakes. "Sir, their projects are already in production, and the loan process has been completed. Stopping now would break their cash flow and doom the projects."

"Is that your concern? This is George and Vivian's love-child project—the marriage project between their groups. They'll find the money even if they have to sell everything they own."

Julian's smile was slight, his tone casual, but laced with unusual menace.

Teddy fell silent. Julian had always kept business and personal matters separate. Yet here he was, blurring the lines for Louisa.

Choosing his words carefully, Teddy ventured, "Mr. Tudor, perhaps you should reconsider? Several board members are watching your every move.

"The loans went through proper channels. Stopping them abruptly will give those old foxes ammunition against you."

Julian's only response was a cold look.

Catching it in the rearview mirror, Teddy shivered. He'd said too much. Julian had clearly made up his mind.

Oh well. The Tudor Group's most brilliant heir could afford to be willful occasionally. Manipulating those companies was like playing with begging pets—he could feed them or not, as he pleased.

After parking, Teddy immediately issued the directive to reevaluate both groups' projects.

The reason? Recent public controversies surrounding the project companies might affect operations and create loan repayment risks.

Whether the second review would pass depended entirely on Julian's mood.