After the Affair: Falling into a Billionaire's Arms Chapter 85

That one sentence silenced all of Brian's words.

Louisa indeed wasn't his biological daughter.

But over the years, she had cared for him, respected him, and treated him like her real father. And he had always treated her as his own daughter.

With this in mind, he turned to Riley with a warning tone. "From the day Mr. Getty entrusted her to me, Louisa became my daughter. I promised Mr. Getty I would give her a stable home and ensure she lived a safe and peaceful life. I intend to keep that promise. So Riley, if you dare say any nonsense in front of Louisa, I won't forgive you."

As he spoke those final words, his eyes flashed with a ruthlessness that recalled his former status as the head of the Getty family's four bodyguards.

Riley was intimidated.

But thinking of Louisa still made her bitter. She huffed, "You seem to have forgotten that your Mr. Getty has been dead for twenty-seven years. You've been honorable, raising his daughter all this time. 

"But what about him and Louisa? Because of them, we've been forced to move constantly, living in fear for years. And you won't even let me make a few complaints?"

Brian erupted, "A few? It's been like your daily routine all these years!

"Yes, we had no peace in those early years. But after all this time, considering all the terrible things you've done to Louisa, hasn't she repaid enough?

"Besides, you kicked her out thirteen years ago and severed ties with her. You have no right to interfere in her life anymore! And as for her background, you are not to say a single word about it to her face. Otherwise, I'll kill you!"

Brian was truly angry now.

Riley, frightened, didn't dare speak further. With a final glare at him, she said, "Fine, I won't say anything. You think I want to see her?"

With that, she went straight to the kitchen to busy herself.

Brian sighed deeply.

---

Meanwhile, Louisa remained completely unaware of the situation at home or the truth about her background that Brian had mentioned.

After the phone call incident, Julian had resumed working. She wasn't sure if he was still upset, and she didn't know how to explain, so she decided to say nothing at all.

She always tried to keep a clear conscience; what others thought didn't matter much to her.

The car fell silent again.

Teddy, driving in front, felt the oppressive atmosphere in the car.

Glancing at Louisa in the rearview mirror, he decided to start a conversation, "Ms. Forbes, I heard Ms. Hughes asked you to review all the investment department's project files in a single day?"

"Yes," Louisa replied simply.

Teddy was exasperated by her casual response. Didn't she realize he was giving her an opportunity to complain to Julian? 

After all, reviewing all project files in one day was something no one had ever accomplished.

But since she didn't take the hint, he continued, "While everyone in the investment department eventually has to review all the files, Tudor Group projects cover almost every professional field. Everyone encounters knowledge gaps. Didn't you face any difficulties?"

Louisa was perplexed by his persistence. "What difficulties? I've already finished reviewing them."

"You finished?" Teddy was astonished.

Julian wasn't as visibly shocked, but he was surprised nonetheless.

Teddy simply couldn't believe it. No one at Tudor Group had ever reviewed all the project files in a single day. He thought she must be exaggerating.

Louisa smiled. "Whether you believe it or not, I've reviewed them all."

Teddy immediately replied, "Fine, I have a test for you."

Louisa perked up. "Sure, go ahead."

But then she reconsidered. With Teddy, she felt less need for formality. "It's after work hours, and I don't feel like being tested. If I pass your test, what's in it for me?"

Teddy's mouth twitched. She dared to try to extort him in front of the boss?

But having gone this far, he could only say, "Let's see if you pass first."

Louisa stood firm. "No, you answer me first."

Teddy was speechless.

Julian chuckled beside them, "If you get everything right, there will be a reward."

Louisa turned to him. "Really? What kind of reward?"

Julian was amused by the sparkle in her eyes. "Ms. Forbes, is it wise to reveal your merchant nature so early? If you want to know, answer correctly first!"

Louisa fell silent. She might be shrewd, but he was even craftier.

Teddy couldn't wait any longer and began:,"First question: In cross-border mergers, how do you quantify synergistic effects and hidden costs?"

"For synergy valuation, use a 'three-stage DCF model,' separating technical integration, supply chain optimization, and tax arbitrage. Calculate integration delay costs from cultural conflicts and regulatory transition costs."

"In hostile takeovers, how do you design a financial impact assessment model for a 'poison pill' strategy?"

"Calculate the 'equity dilution elasticity coefficient.' For each one percent of acquired shares, the triggered issuance ratio should increase the acquirer's holding cost by at least thirty percent. To avoid side effects, control through 'golden parachute' clauses with option pricing to limit management's moral hazard."

Her responses became increasingly rapid. As they continued, she answered Teddy's questions without any hesitation.

Teddy asked more than a dozen questions, including many that weren't even in the project files.

She answered effortlessly, completely defeating him. "Alright, I concede. You got everything right."

Not only were her answers correct, but she also provided specific implementation plans. He suspected that no matter how many more questions he asked, she could quickly provide detailed solutions.

Louisa wasn't particularly interested in his praise. She was more interested in the actual reward.

So she turned to Julian with a slightly smug tone, "Mr. Tudor, I would like to hear my reward."