After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 121

Catherine stared at her, her brows drawn tight. Her voice lost all warmth. “What do you want?”

Shirley’s tone was sharp, almost like she was ready for a fight. “Catherine, what did you do to make Dad bring Lawrence into the company? Do you have any idea what’s happening? Because of him, Waldo pulled every order from Dad’s hands. The company could go under at any moment.”

“That was Dad’s decision. I didn’t do anything,” Catherine answered, trying not to roll her eyes. She was sick of Shirley’s attitude.

Shirley let out a cold laugh. “If you didn’t do anything, why would Dad even consider Lawrence? Do you think he knows that Lawrence talked him into dropping The James Group and running after Nexus Dynamics? If Nexus Dynamics backs out, The Blair Group is finished.”

A wave of worry hit Catherine. Was Nestor really walking away from The James Group to chase Nexus Dynamics? Lawrence hadn’t mentioned any of this in his messages, but Catherine didn’t let it rattle her. She trusted him.

“Shirley, stop making things up. Don’t try to pin all this on Lawrence,” Catherine shot back, her gaze hard and unblinking.

Shirley’s voice got louder. “Catherine, seriously, wake up. Don’t let Lawrence’s pretty face fool you. He’s just using you and trying to drain our family dry. If Dad’s company actually goes bankrupt, I hope you know how you’ll explain it to him.”

“Shirley, I’m only going to say this once more. Lawrence is my husband. If you talk trash about him again, I won’t just stand here and listen,” Catherine warned, her eyes cold and fierce.

Shirley faltered, taking a step back without even realizing it.

Catherine stepped forward, closing the gap between them. “Dad can make his own choices about the company. You don’t get to stand here and stir up panic. If you think you’re so capable, go ask Waldo for help yourself. But stop blaming Lawrence for everything.”

Shirley’s face tightened, her jaw working. “Just wait, Catherine. Project Apex Initiative is going to be mine. Once I get that project, Waldo will help Dad without a problem.”

Catherine raised an eyebrow and gave a little smile. “Let’s see what you’ve got then.”

Shirley’s voice was dripping with disdain. “You sound pretty confident, like you actually think you can beat me.”

“A hundred Lawrences couldn’t be worth one Waldo,” Shirley said with a snort. “You’re the only one who acts like he’s some prize. If it were up to me, I wouldn’t even look at him twice.”

Catherine just shrugged. “Doesn’t matter. Even if you wanted him, you couldn’t get him.”

Shirley looked genuinely offended, her expression darkening. “You think I care about some broke guy?”

Catherine’s voice was calm, almost mocking. “You never know. Things change.” She smiled, cold and sure. Once she took back the patent for Resonance AI, The James Group would crash, and Shirley’s reputation would go down with it.

It was only a matter of time.

Shirley shot Catherine a glare. “You’d better tell Lawrence to leave The Blair Group. Otherwise, Dad’s company is doomed.”