After the Affair: Falling into a Billionaire's Arms Chapter 83

Julian barely had time to react before a soft body was suddenly clinging to him. 

Louisa hung from him, arms wrapped tightly around his neck, legs clamped around his waist.

The intimate position made Julian freeze. His deep gaze fell on her as his voice grew lower, "Louisa, what are you doing now?"

"Get down," he commanded quietly.

Little did he know, Louisa's mind was in chaos. The fear of darkness triggered memories of past experiences. 

Her body trembled as she clung to him desperately, her voice quavering, "I won't let go. I'm scared."

Only his presence made her feel safe, so she refused to release him.

Julian paused. "Scared of what? The dark?"

Louisa nodded against his neck, an unconscious movement. 

With her face pressed against his skin, the nodding caused her cheek to brush against him, her lips accidentally touching his skin in what felt like unintentional, scattered kisses.

Julian almost stopped breathing. In the end, he didn't push her away. Instead, he supported her waist with one arm while using his other hand to lift her head from his neck and place it on his shoulder.

"Stay still. Don't squirm," he said, trying to keep his breath steady.

Then, carrying her this way, he walked toward the elevator.

Teddy, following behind them, was stunned. In the past, whenever Teresa tried to get close to Julian, he would coldly rebuff her. Now he was letting Louisa cling to him like this? 

Recently, Teddy had noticed that no matter how Louisa approached his boss, Julian never pushed her away—he hadn't even spoken harshly to her once. If Teresa knew about this, she'd probably be in tears.

At the elevator, Teddy quickly pressed the down button. 

The elevator had lights inside. Louisa had been motionless on Julian's shoulder, but seeing the surrounding light, her tense body gradually relaxed, and she began to calm down.

Realizing she was still clinging to Julian, she startled and quickly climbed down. 

She looked up at him awkwardly. "I-I'm sorry, Mr. Tudor. Thank you."

He gave her a cool glance, his lips curving with amusement. "Ms. Forbes, a grown woman afraid of the dark?"

Louisa laughed stiffly. "Yes, well... I don't know why the power suddenly went out. Maybe there was a short circuit? Mr. Tudor, you should have someone check it tomorrow so it doesn't disrupt work."

Teddy stared at her with wide eyes. Was this the same Louisa who had handled even the biggest problems with composure?

Julian's lips held a hint of a smile as he tapped her forehead with two knuckles. "I believe the short circuit is in your brain. Didn't you read the employee handbook? Lights are supposed to be turned off when leaving work."

The Tudor Group discouraged overtime. At 9:30 PM, the entire building's lights automatically shut off.

Louisa smiled awkwardly. Her mind had gone blank earlier—she had no idea what she was saying. 

Julian had already seen her at her most vulnerable anyway; there was no point in feeling embarrassed now.

As the elevator descended, Julian studied her for a few seconds before suddenly asking, "Do you have nyctophobia?"

Louisa was surprised he'd figured it out. The smile gradually disappeared from her face, replaced by a cold expression.

Julian didn't pursue the question further, just casted a a meaningful glance at Teddy. 

Teddy immediately understood—the boss wanted to cancel the company's mandatory lights-out policy.

When they reached the underground parking garage, Teddy exited first to get the car. 

Looking around, Louisa remembered she hadn't driven to work today. She'd ridden with Julian in the morning.

She quickly gestured to Julian, "Mr. Tudor, please go ahead. I need to go back up and exit through the main entrance."

Julian gave her a level look. "The main entrance is already locked."

Louisa was stunned. Were they really that strict?

"Come with me," Julian said.

With the main entrance locked, she had no choice but to accept his ride again. Fortunately, they lived in the same community, so he wouldn't have to go out of his way.

In the car, she tried to minimize her presence. Julian showed no interest in conversation, opening his laptop to continue working. 

Teddy drove smoothly at a moderate speed.

Occasionally, Louisa glanced in Julian's direction. The car was dimly lit, with only outside lights filtering in. 

The laptop screen illuminated his face. From her angle, she could see his focused eyes, his high-bridged nose, and his perfectly chiseled profile—handsome from every angle.

She was used to seeing him composed and elegant, but hadn't expected him to be working during both commutes. 

His long, clean fingers danced across the keyboard, producing crisp, rhythmic sounds. Louisa found herself mesmerized.

Suddenly, a phone ringtone broke the silence. It was Louisa's. She quickly took it out—a video call from Brian Forbes, her father.

She hesitated, then muted it without answering.

Julian glanced at her. "Why don't you answer it?"