After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 102

Shirley couldn’t help but think that when Catherine finally got kicked out of Nexus Dynamics, she’d be the one left crying.

A little while later, Shirley was handed some things by an assistant. He gave her one bag, then hesitated as he held out a second one, his face showing a hint of awkwardness. “This is from Waldo, for Catherine. Could you take it to her?”

Shirley’s smile faded, her expression turning cool. She took her own bag first, then accepted the other one as well. “I’ll give it to her.”

She stepped into the elevator, her thoughts a tangled mess as she rode up to Catherine’s floor. When she reached the door, she knocked.

Catherine answered, spotting the bag in Shirley’s hand. She lifted an eyebrow. “What’s up?”

“Waldo asked me to bring this to you. He’s just so considerate, you know. He was worried you might not be able to afford things like this anymore, so he sent you some.”

As Shirley spoke, she quietly tapped her phone to start recording.

Catherine took the bag from her with barely a glance. Without even checking what was inside, she strode down the hall to the trash can and tossed the whole thing in without hesitation.

“Catherine, seriously? That was Waldo being thoughtful—”

Catherine let out a cold laugh. “Do me a favor. Tell him not to send me anything ever again. I don’t want it.”

The door shut. Shirley stopped the recording, a smirk curling on her lips. She’d figured Catherine would react exactly like that.

She pulled out her phone, sent the video to Waldo, and added a quick voice message. “Waldo, I gave Catherine your gift, but I didn’t expect her to just throw it straight in the trash.”

Message sent.

Shirley scoffed to herself. Waldo was way too proud to let Catherine stomp on his feelings over and over. The first time, maybe he’d let it slide. The second, he might have swallowed it. But a third or fourth? Eventually, Waldo would have to realize Catherine didn’t appreciate him, and she definitely wasn’t worth his time or affection.

***

In the CEO’s office at The James Group, Waldo watched the video in silence. He rubbed his temples, closing his eyes. There was no anger in him, just a deep sense of disappointment.

His phone rang. He glanced at the screen, then answered. “Yeah?”

“Waldo, Nestor brought someone to the company today. He said The Blair Group would be managed by this new person from now on.”

Now, Nestor was bringing in the one person Waldo couldn’t stand, and planning to hand the company over to him.

No way was Waldo going to just sit back and watch his rival take over The Blair Group.

He hit the intercom and told his assistant to call in the department heads for a meeting.

Ten minutes later, four managers stood in front of his desk. Waldo looked at each of them. “Send word. We’re suspending all projects with The Blair Group until further review.”

“Waldo, but—”

Everyone in the room knew about his relationship with Nestor. Nestor was supposed to be his future father-in-law, so The Blair Group’s business always took priority.

Now he wanted to freeze every order? That was basically putting Nestor in a tight spot.

“Just do what I said.” Waldo’s voice was ice. He waved them out of his office.