After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 124

Shirley’s confidence was practically glowing. Just picturing her mother with Catherine’s family heirloom on her wrist made Shirley’s heart skip. Every time Catherine saw it, it would sting. That thought was deliciously satisfying, almost like payback for those two slaps.

“Alright, I’ll just be at home waiting,” Alice said, her face lighting up with genuine happiness.

After they hung up, Shirley shot a text to Waldo. Want to have lunch tomorrow?

Waldo was still in Harrisburg for another day. He texted back, Is something up?

It’s about Project Apex Initiative, she replied.

Okay, came his answer.

A slow smile spread across Shirley’s lips. Since launching her Resonance AI, The James Group’s stock had tripled. Waldo gave her anything she wanted, except for love. That part he always kept back, but with everything else, he was generous to a fault.

She only had to mention the jewelry last time, and Waldo showed up with thirty million dollars’ worth, just so she could pick whatever she liked. Luxury cars, mansions—he handed her the keys like it was nothing. His net worth was closing in on the mysterious founder of Nexus Dynamics. He still had a little way to go, but with Resonance AI and the Project Apex Initiative, Shirley could push him right to the top.

So, if she wanted a bracelet this time, Waldo would absolutely make sure she got it, no matter what it cost.

The next day at noon, Shirley walked into one of Harrisburg’s most exclusive restaurants, a vision in an elegant dress. She spotted Waldo by the window, commanding the space with his effortless grace. Tall, strikingly handsome, and loaded, he was the kind of man women dreamed about.

Shirley couldn’t help thinking how lucky she was that Catherine was too blind to see what she was missing. If Catherine hadn’t looked away first, Shirley wouldn’t have had this chance.

“Waldo, hope you haven’t waited long,” she said, slipping into the seat across from him.

He lifted his wine glass and took a slow sip, his eyes sharp and curious. “How confident are you about Project Apex Initiative?”

A rush of warmth fluttered in Shirley’s chest. “I won’t disappoint you.”

She reached into her bag and slid a printed page across the table. “But I want this as my gift.”

Waldo picked it up and glanced over it. Auction details for a jade bracelet. He raised an eyebrow. “This isn’t the kind of thing most girls your age ask for.”

Shirley gave a little laugh. “You’re right. It’s an antique. My mom loves this kind of thing and I want to get it for her.”

“No problem. I’ll have someone take care of it,” Waldo said, not even hesitating.

Shirley thought to herself, even if Catherine found out about the auction, there was no way she’d be able to get the bracelet now. With Waldo’s money behind her, how could Catherine possibly compete?