After the Affair: Falling into a Billionaire's Arms Chapter 76

Without a doubt, she must have kissed him during the commotion.

She remembered her lips touching something cool that seemed to move. Now she knew—it was his Adam's apple. Oh God, she was going to lose her mind. Had she just sexually harassed the notoriously reserved Julian on her first day?

She couldn't bring herself to meet his eyes, staring instead at his throat, at that red mark against his pale skin. The embarrassment was killing her.

Julian's amused voice came from above her. "Ms. Forbes, how long do you plan to stare?"

Louisa was mortified. But she couldn't hide forever. Forcing herself to look up at him, she said, "I'm sorry, Mr. Tudor. It wasn't intentional."

"Alright," he nodded. "And then?"

Louisa fell silent. What did he mean, "and then"? She'd apologized—wasn't that enough? Or had he misunderstood her?

She carefully chose her words, "Mr. Tudor, please believe me, it truly wasn't intentional. I wasn't trying to take advantage of the situation to... harass you."

In the front seat, Teddy and Bob nearly burst out laughing. How could anyone associate this stunning beauty with the word "harass"?

Julian maintained his calm expression. "I know it wasn't intentional. And then?"

Louisa was even more confused. What else did he want? She had no idea what her new boss was getting at. But she couldn't let him enter the office with lipstick on his neck.

She looked at him tentatively. "Should I clean it off for you?"

Seeing him nod, she finally felt relieved. She quickly pulled a tissue from her purse, ready to wipe away the evidence.

However, she'd forgotten they were in a moving car. Even if they weren't moving, how could she reach across to clean his neck? He would need to turn toward her, face to face.

But he showed no intention of moving. She nearly cried in frustration. "Mr. Tudor, could you please cooperate?"

Julian's lips curved into a half-smile. "You smudged lipstick on me, and now you want me to cooperate?"

Fine. He was the boss—what he said, went. With no choice, she knelt on the seat, one hand on his shoulder for balance, reaching over with the tissue.

Her fingertips felt his Adam's apple through the thin tissue, the sensation more real than before. Her fingers trembled involuntarily. 

Just then, the car hit another bump.

Already unsteady on her knees, she fell forward against him, her soft breasts pressing into his shoulder. She felt his body stiffen momentarily as her face turned completely red.

Julian glanced at her. "Ms. Forbes, I suspect you're taking advantage of me."

Louisa couldn't help but curse Bob in her mind, thinking he was deliberate. How else could such a flat road be so bumpy? But she didn't dare say it aloud.

Seeing her face flushed crimson, Julian sighed inwardly. Finally, he took the tissue from her hand and wiped his neck himself.

Louisa stared at him in disbelief. So he could have cleaned it himself all along? After making her go through all that?

Thankfully, they had arrived at the Tudor Group's underground garage. The car pulled into his reserved spot, with no other vehicles around.

Louisa glanced outside to confirm they were alone. She hurriedly thanked Julian and quickly exited the car.

Julian sat in the car, watching her scurry away as if afraid of being discovered. An amused smile crept onto his lips.

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Louisa managed to reach the office before work started. She headed to HR first to complete her onboarding, with Teddy accompanying her.

Everyone in the company knew that Teddy, as the CEO's special assistant, took orders only from Julian. The Tudor Group was famous for never hiring through connections—from management to entry-level staff, everyone earned their position through merit.

Having the CEO's assistant personally escort a new hire was unprecedented. The HR department didn't dare be negligent, processing her paperwork with nervous efficiency. The moment they left, staff began speculating about Louisa's identity.

Walking ahead, Louisa and Teddy didn't need to turn around to know what those people were saying. At the elevator, she noticed Teddy only pressed the down button, not up.

"Mr. Young, I know Investment is on the 24th floor. I can go by myself—no need to waste your time," she said with a glance.

"You really mean it? With me by your side, everything will be smoother—you know, the newcomer stuff in the workplace," Teddy replied.

Many people would love his escort, but he rarely offered it.

Louisa smiled at his prideful expression. "I appreciate your kindness." Then, her tone grew more serious. "But I'd like to show my abilities, not connections."

Besides, she had no real relationship with Julian. Making a grand entrance would only invite gossip.

Teddy wanted to explain this was Julian's order—he dared not disobey. But instead, another thought occurred to him. "Do you know who the Investment Director is?"

"Who?" she asked, a bit curious. His solemn tone suggested someone significant.

"The Investment Director is Teresa Hughes, daughter of the Hughes family. Her mother is a close friend of our CEO's mother. She was raised at Tudor Manor—essentially the Tudor family's adopted daughter."

His explanation was formal and proper. But why mention this if that was all? Louisa's lips curved into a slight smile. "Thank you for letting me know, Mr. Young."

She suspected Teresa must have some emotional entanglement with Julian. It made sense—with Julian's qualities, who would believe he had no women in his life?