After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 133

At four in the afternoon, the offices of The Blair Group buzzed with the low hum of business as usual. Nestor was in the middle of a call with a supplier, his tone all business, when his assistant came in and interrupted, sounding anxious. “Nestor, Waldo’s here.”

That name was enough to set the whole office on edge. Everyone knew The Blair Group was about to cut ties with The James Group, and Waldo showing up unannounced didn’t seem like good news. People whispered, wondering if he’d come to confront Nestor. With someone like Waldo, if he was in a bad mood, The Blair Group could be in real trouble by morning.

Nestor heard the name and his brow tightened. Waldo picking this moment to visit couldn’t mean anything good. He quickly wrapped up his call and nodded to his assistant. “Let him in.”

A moment later, Waldo walked in, looking completely at ease, a polite smile on his face. He seemed just like always, but Nestor knew things between them had changed.

“Waldo, what brings you here?” Nestor stood to greet him. Even if their business relationship was ending, you didn’t just throw away years of friendship.

“Just passing by and thought I’d stop in,” Waldo said, raising an eyebrow. “Heard The Blair Group has been making some bold moves lately. Figured I’d come pick up a few tricks.”

Nestor chuckled. “I should be learning from you. I heard The James Group’s stock shot up again yesterday. Your company’s value must have gone through the roof.”

Waldo gave a small nod. “Shirley’s been a big part of that.”

Nestor felt a burst of pride. Waldo’s praise for Shirley was a compliment to him, too. “She’s a great kid.”

“Catherine’s impressive as well. You’re lucky, Nestor, having two daughters as talented as yours,” Waldo added.

Nestor studied Waldo, still unsure what he was really after. “If you think so highly of Shirley, maybe you two should give dating a shot.”

He still hoped Waldo might become his son-in-law someday.

Waldo looked at him for a moment, something meaningful in his eyes. “I’ve always been loyal in relationships. Shirley’s like a sister, and she works for me. Catherine, though... she’s the one who’s right for me.”

The assistant pointed down the corridor. “Last big one at the end.”

A flicker of something dark crossed Waldo’s face as he marched off.

Lawrence’s office door stood open, but Waldo knocked hard anyway.

Lawrence looked up from his computer, cool and unruffled, eyes steady on his unexpected guest.

“Do you need something?” His voice was calm, but there was a chill to it.

Waldo shut the door behind him, shutting out the rest of the world. He glanced around the room, then fixed his eyes on Lawrence, all business and not a hint of warmth. “Lawrence, impressive work. You’ve only been here a few days and already The Blair Group’s in chaos. You’re even starting to clean house.”