After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 131

Just then, a woman's voice cut through the air with a hint of sarcasm. "Catherine, what’s got you so cheerful? And who’s this?"

Shirley arched a brow, casually glancing at Patrick in his plain security guard uniform.

Patrick had even gone to the trouble of getting a fresh uniform from the security office, just to make his cover convincing. Right now, he looked exactly like any other guard.

Catherine’s smile faltered. "He works security at the institute."

Patrick looked over at Shirley, curiosity in his eyes. "Is she your sister?"

Shirley shrugged, her tone dismissive. "Half-sister." Then she turned to Catherine. "I need a word with you."

Patrick frowned for a second, but didn’t let it show. He told Catherine, "I’ll just go patrol for a bit. You two talk."

He hadn’t gotten far when Shirley’s voice drifted over, sharp and mocking. "Catherine, marrying a poor guy really brought your standards down, huh? Now you can chat with the security guards all day?"

Catherine’s face clouded. "Shirley, don’t act like you’re so much better than everyone else. Watch what you say."

A few steps away, Patrick glanced back at Catherine, a hint of admiration in his eyes. She always kept her composure.

Shirley snorted. "Have you even been paying attention to Dad’s company? Look at the mess Lawrence is making. He fired three managers in one day. What’s he trying to do, run The Blair Group into the ground?"

Catherine was a little taken aback. Lawrence was really being that tough? Still, she trusted his judgment.

Shirley raised her voice behind her. "Catherine! That heirloom from your grandmother is going up for auction next month. I heard it’s worth millions. Think you have what it takes to buy it back?"

Catherine paused for a split second. Shirley knew about the auction too?

Shirley let out a satisfied laugh. "But don’t stress, I already asked Waldo to get it for me."

Catherine’s heart skipped. Waldo was going to bid? And give it to Shirley?

"Of course, I’m not really into antiques," Shirley added, her voice gleeful. "I’m getting it for my mom. Try not to get too jealous."

Catherine took a slow breath, straightened her shoulders, and walked away.