The receptionist was all smiles, clearly already expecting them. “Mr. Blair, right this way,” she said, her voice smooth and practiced.
She led Nestor and Lawrence down a bright hallway and into a meeting room before quietly slipping out, leaving them alone with the hum of activity visible through the glass walls. Nestor gazed out at the organized chaos, thinking of Catherine hard at work somewhere in the building. The thought made him sit a little taller, pride swelling in his chest.
A few minutes later, Malvin from the sales department walked in, two assistants trailing behind. His grin was genuine and welcoming. “Mr. Blair, and...?” Malvin’s eyes shifted to Lawrence, hesitating just a moment.
“Lawrence. He’s our vice president,” Nestor jumped in, making sure Lawrence got the recognition he deserved.
Malvin’s demeanor shifted instantly. “Mr. Lawrence,” he said, shaking Lawrence’s hand with obvious respect.
They all took their seats, and Malvin got straight to business. He spoke with the kind of formality reserved for important deals, discussing terms and details with Nestor as though he were the most valuable client in the world. Soon enough, Malvin slid a thick contract across the table. “Mr. Blair, please review it. We’ve tailored everything according to your requests. If anything isn’t to your liking, just let us know.”
Nestor blinked, surprised by how attentive everyone was. Was this really how they treated all their partners? Or were they just this polite at Nexus Dynamics?
He slipped on his reading glasses and started combing through the contract. The more he read, the more excited he got. Every detail Lawrence had suggested, especially about the equipment leasing, was carefully included. The terms were clear, fair, and honestly more than generous. It was impossible not to feel their sincerity.
Nestor pointed out a few things that weren’t immediately obvious. Malvin responded patiently to every question, explaining everything without a hint of annoyance, as if Nestor were royalty.
Of course, in Malvin’s mind, Nestor wasn’t just any VIP. He was the boss’s father-in-law.
Nestor, being older and not one to overthink these things, chalked it all up to excellent customer service.
There were no tricks or hidden clauses, just a straightforward, honest agreement. Negotiations wrapped up cleanly, with Lawrence mostly staying quiet unless Nestor specifically asked for his opinion. Whenever Lawrence chimed in, Malvin would seize the opportunity to praise him. “Mr. Lawrence, you really do think of everything.”
Nestor was delighted, never once noticing the subtle way Lawrence seemed to steer the whole meeting. It was almost like everything was playing out exactly as Lawrence had planned.
Lawrence cleared his throat quietly. “I’m sure you’ll get your chance.”
Nestor glanced at his watch. “Alright, time to get back to work. The contract’s signed, so let’s head out.”
Lawrence checked his own watch. “Dad, why don’t you go ahead? I have a few things to finish up here.”
Nestor remembered Lawrence still hadn’t officially left Nexus Dynamics and nodded. “Sounds good. Call me if you need anything.”
He headed out, leaving Lawrence alone.
About ten minutes later, Lawrence left the meeting room. He walked down the hall, took a quiet turn, and stopped in front of a private elevator. The scanner next to it flickered blue as he pressed his thumb to the reader. The doors slid open with a soft chime, and Lawrence stepped inside, disappearing from view.

Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms
I’m glad I hung in there for all 368 chapters. This was a really good story!...
They are on a base. Alice and Shirley need to be approved and sponsored to enter. What are they worried for? Can random people just come on base?...
I’m glad the tech team has a conscience. I was also thinking the same thing about the team being the one to build it because Shirley doesn’t code anything....
This hearing is being drug out like one in real life....
How does Shirley think she can dismiss and call witnesses at will in the courtroom, telling Amy that she could leave now?...
The audacity. She just insulted his deceased wife and their child, but she wants justice? 🤣🤣...
This is the most delusional couple. Making up slights against themselves from people who couldn’t care less. Twisting everything into their own narrative of what they think and feel....
Finally. It’s all out there....
I hope he remembers to stop access to anything Alice currently has the rights to take....
Didn’t Alice bring food? She left it. I would definitely have it tested....