After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 111

Shirley tossed her phone onto the bed, pride glinting in her eyes. The Project Apex Initiative was the hottest research topic out there. If she landed a spot as a lead researcher, it wouldn’t just mean prestige—it would open doors to national-level resources, the kind that could change everything.

To stand out in Waldo’s eyes, she needed to win this project, to stack the deck in her favor when it came to marrying him. She was determined not to give Catherine even the slightest chance to shine.

From everything she had learned, this time, the win was hers for the taking, and she was going to make it look effortless. With a brand-new algorithm model for the Resonance AI structure in her hands, she had a secret weapon for her presentation. She could already picture the stunned faces in the room.

Shirley drew in a deep breath, replaying the moment in her mind where she would finally put Catherine in her place. This was also her chance to prove to Nestor who could really bring glory and a future to the Blair family.

***

The next morning, Lawrence pulled into The Blair Group’s parking lot. The early sun caught the lines of his dark suit as he stepped out, looking sharp and composed. He walked through the lobby, and right away, he could hear the whispers at the reception desk. Yesterday, everyone had been talking about how handsome he was. Today, the gossip sounded a lot less flattering.

Apparently, someone had spilled that he was Nestor’s son-in-law. Before joining The Blair Group, he’d just been a regular engineer at Nexus Dynamics. At a company that big, there were probably a thousand engineers just like him. Nothing special, according to the rumors.

Now, thanks to his wife’s connections, he’d landed a spot in upper management. Some people were even saying he was about to be promoted to vice president and put in charge of the whole company. That was all anyone seemed to be talking about.

Lawrence could feel the stares, but his expression never changed. He moved calmly to the elevators and waited, acting like he didn’t notice a thing.

A voice rang out behind him, dripping with fake friendliness. “Hey, look who it is—the new guy, Lawrence!”

He turned and recognized Odell, the purchasing manager, from a meeting the day before.

“Morning, Odell,” Lawrence replied, giving him a polite nod.

Nestor was in his office early, looking over the new proposal Lawrence had handed in. The more he read, the more energized he felt. It had been a long time since he’d seen a plan this thorough, this bold.

Was this really Lawrence’s work? Nestor found himself wondering if he’d written it himself or gotten someone else to help. He was still considering it when there was a knock on the door.

“Come in,” Nestor called out.

Lawrence walked in. He had deep-set eyes, a strong nose, and sharp, striking features. Suddenly, Nestor realized that even Waldo didn’t have this kind of presence. There was a confidence about Lawrence that came from his time in the military—a quiet intensity that filled the room.

“You’re here, Lawrence.” Nestor cleared his throat, feeling a little awkward. He’d underestimated him before, but now, seeing him in this new light, he wasn’t so sure anymore.