After the Affair: Falling into a Billionaire's Arms Chapter 57

Sadie took a deep breath, trying to process everything. "I can see Vivian doing this, but George? How could he? He used to love you so much, treated you like a queen for ten years. Even if he doesn't love you anymore, why would he do something so cruel for someone he just met?"

Flora shrugged. "Why not? He'd do anything to please his new fling."

Sadie frowned. "But he always said he wouldn't divorce Louisa. Wasn't that because he still had some feelings for her?"

Flora scoffed. "Feelings? Then why would he get engaged to Vivian before even divorcing Louisa?"

Sadie looked puzzled. "You have a point. But if he wanted to get engaged so badly, why hasn't he divorced Louisa yet? Wait, I'm getting confused. Give me a second."

She paused, then turned to Louisa, who had been silent. "Louisa, I heard the Capulet-Price project is in trouble. The only way to save it is through a marriage alliance. Is that true?"

Louisa took a bite of her sandwich and nodded. "Yes."

"Then it makes sense!" Sadie clapped her hands together, starting to piece things together. "The Capulet Group was founded by George's father, but it was going downhill when George took over. He built it back up himself. 

"He wouldn't want to lose it, so he agreed to the marriage alliance. But he knew Louisa wouldn't let go easily, so he set this whole thing up to destroy her. 

"He even wanted to film a video to blackmail her, making sure she wouldn't speak out. This way, he keeps his reputation and gets to be with his new lover."

Flora gave her an admiring look. "You're amazing, Sadie. No wonder you're a lawyer."

Sadie turned to Louisa. "Is that how it is, Louisa?"

Louisa didn't confirm or deny it. She just looked at them and said, "You haven't eaten yet, right? Let me make you something."

Sadie and Flora were speechless. How could she think about food at a time like this?

Before they could say anything, Louisa added, "Once we're full, I need your help with something."

Flora immediately responded, "You don't need to ask. Whatever you need, we'll do it, no matter what."

Sadie nodded in agreement.

Louisa smiled. "We still need to eat. We'll need our strength for the battle ahead."

---

Vivian's birthday party was set for 6 PM at the Hidden Mist Winery. 

Though it was supposed to be just a birthday party for relatives and friends, the Capulet and Price families treated it like an engagement ceremony, making it grand—with most of Silverlight City's elite in attendance, and even the entire Price family present. 

With their project in jeopardy, they needed to show a united front.

Vivian, in a pink princess dress, clung to George's arm, smiling as she mingled with the guests. 

This was her moment. She kept checking her phone, waiting for the video of Louisa being tortured. That would be her crowning achievement.

But the video never came. She made several calls, but no one answered. 

She started to worry. Did the plan fail? But that didn't make sense. Louisa had been drugged and delivered. The only explanation was that Louisa had been tortured to death.

The thought excited her. She couldn't wait to see Louisa's suffering. That would be truly satisfying.

Meanwhile, Hazel was getting anxious. She pulled Vivian aside and whispered, "Vivian, what's going on? Did Louisa sign the agreement?"

Vivian was momentarily stunned. She didn't have the agreement, but she couldn't admit that. If Hazel got angry and canceled the engagement, it would ruin everything. 

So she lied, "She signed it. I have it at home. I'll bring it to you after the party."

Hazel relaxed. "Great."

Vivian watched Hazel's relief and thought, 'Louisa's dead. She won't come for the money. I'll just forge the agreement tomorrow. Hazel won't check the details.'

With that in mind, she secretly sighed in relief.

George finished talking to the guests and noticed their happy faces. "What's going on?"

Vivian and Hazel exchanged a smile. They hadn't told George about the engagement. He was the only one in the dark. 

They planned to announce it and leave him no choice. With the project at stake, Vivian was confident he would have to go along with it.

George, seeing they wouldn't tell him, didn't press. 

He suddenly thought of Louisa, wondering what she'd be doing. She used to attend these events with him, but since becoming his personal secretary, she rarely did. 

Without her company, he felt something was missing, yet he knew very well she'd never attend Vivian's birthday party. 

Still, he couldn't get her out of his mind. He excused himself to a quiet spot and sent her a message: [What are you doing?]

To his surprise, the message showed a gray checkmark. She had blocked him?