After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 100

Students from across the country were arriving at the Harrisburg National Technology Institute’s guest house, each of them handpicked for the Project Apex Initiative. Catherine showed up in a taxi, while Shirley arrived in style, chauffeured in a private car that Waldo had arranged just for her.

Nobody was allowed to stay off-campus for this program. To keep things organized, the institute required everyone to check into the guest house.

Shirley wasn’t thrilled about it. She grumbled to herself, remembering how Waldo had promised her a suite at a seven-star hotel in Harrisburg. Now she was stuck sharing the same accommodations as everyone else.

After a short shuttle ride, they reached the main entrance. As soon as Catherine stepped into the lobby, she sensed someone watching her. She glanced over and spotted a distinguished man in his early sixties. He looked her up and down, his gaze sharp and assessing.

Catherine felt a jolt of surprise but kept her composure. She flashed the older man a polite smile, then continued to the front desk to check in.

Patrick watched her move through the process with calm confidence, a hint of approval in his eyes. She was striking, carried herself well, and had an air of quiet strength.

“Jack, pull up her profile,” he murmured.

“Yes, sir.”

Within moments, a file appeared on Patrick’s phone. He slipped on his glasses and scanned the screen.

“Twenty-four years old. PhD in AI Science from Apex University. Multiple papers published in top international journals. Lead engineer for R&D at Nexus Dynamics. One of the Ministry of Technology’s top picks.”

Patrick glanced up, watching Catherine walk away with her suitcase. She was even more impressive than he’d expected.

“Patrick, looks like Lawrence has good taste,” Jack whispered, grinning.

Patrick put his phone away with a little huff. “Sure, his judgment is fine. But he’s too impulsive. Getting married is a big deal, and he didn’t even bother to tell his family.”

Still, as he watched Catherine head to the elevator, a hint of a smile tugged at his lips.

As the sun went down, Catherine wandered alone through the guest house grounds, needing a break after a long day.

A steady, kind voice called out from behind her. “Out for a walk by yourself?”

She turned to see the older man from the lobby, now dressed in a plain army-green outfit that made him seem more approachable.

Catherine had seen him earlier and just assumed he was one of the old security guards at the guest house.

She smiled. “Taking a walk too, sir?”

Patrick blinked in surprise, then chuckled softly. She’d mistaken him for a security guard, and he found it oddly charming. Instead of being annoyed, he felt genuinely amused by her mistake.