After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 116

The elevator doors slid open. Lawrence stepped inside, the glossy walls capturing his reflection—tall, sharp, and steady-eyed.

The elevator shot upward, carrying him quickly to the top floor. As the doors parted, he strode out and entered the conference room. Huge floor-to-ceiling windows stretched across one wall, giving a sweeping view of the Central Business District below. Across from them, a massive smart screen flickered with live updates—performance data, project milestones, and market trends from every Nexus Dynamics office around the world.

This was the heart of Nexus Dynamics. The place where big decisions got made.

Eight people sat at the long conference table, all in their forties or fifties, all with the calm confidence of seasoned pros. They were the executive vice presidents from the company’s top branches, and Magee was among them.

Lawrence walked over and took the main seat, his voice deep and clear. “I’ve only got an hour. Let’s get started.”

***

By now, Nestor was in his car, still trying to wrap his head around what had just happened. He pulled out the contract and read it again, hardly believing his eyes.

He was most excited about how Nexus Dynamics had basically handed them equipment rentals, tech support, and staff training—almost for free. The terms were so generous, he had to read them twice to believe it.

Waldo could never have given him anything close to this. Honestly, no other company in the market could.

Nestor leaned back, letting out a long breath. He thought about how Waldo had cut off his company’s orders yesterday, leaving him scrambling.

But now, he didn’t have to beg for business anymore. He’d landed a client bigger and tougher than The James Group, and on way better terms.

He started to wonder if Lawrence really was his lucky charm. Ever since Lawrence joined, everything at the company seemed to get better.

Nestor remembered the harsh words he’d thrown at Lawrence before. His cheeks burned with embarrassment. Next time, he’d try to be nicer.

Nestor frowned. He had the contract right in front of him, clear as day. He’d been in this game long enough to know what he was doing.

“Thanks for the concern, Waldo. This is a standard partnership—nothing to do with an acquisition.”

Waldo didn’t let up. “I hear Lawrence is shaking things up at your company. You really trust him? He’s still an outsider.”

“Lawrence is Catherine’s husband. That makes him family. Waldo, I appreciate all your help over the years, but if there’s nothing else, I’ll let you go.”

Without waiting for a response, Nestor hung up.

With Nexus Dynamics backing him, he didn’t have to worry about upsetting Waldo anymore.