After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 134

Waldo’s voice dripped with open judgment and contempt.

Lawrence met his stare without flinching. He looked completely unbothered. “It’s just work.”

“I want to make something clear,” Waldo said. “Taking care of a few nobodies doesn’t prove you’re capable. You’re not in control of The Blair Group’s future. Not even close.”

“So, that’s why you came here today?” Lawrence asked. His face showed nothing—not anger, not irritation, not even the tiniest twitch.

Waldo paused, thrown off for a second. What kind of man could stay this calm? In his position, Waldo had seen every kind of reaction: people groveling, pretending to be tough, acting like they weren’t nervous. But Lawrence’s calm was something else, something rare.

It wasn’t bravado and it wasn’t ignorance. It was a quiet self-assurance that seemed to run deep. The kind of composure that only comes from years of real authority.

An ex-soldier? Some regular engineer? Just a pretty face who married up? Waldo felt a wave of annoyance. He told himself Lawrence was just putting on a show.

Real power was about money and influence, not acting tough.

He shot Lawrence a hard look, then pulled a gold invitation from his jacket and dropped it on the desk. “There’s a jewelry auction in Cabinda next month. One of the pieces is something that belonged to Catherine’s grandmother. She’s been searching for it for years. If you actually care about her, you’ll bring it back for her.”

He paused, watching for any reaction. “Just so you know, I’ll be your biggest competition. I’m planning to buy it for her, too.”

Lawrence barely glanced at the invitation before picking it up. He was as calm as ever. “Thanks.”

Waldo scoffed and adjusted his suit. “You should thank me. This auction isn’t open to just anyone. You need proof of funds to get in. Most people don’t even make it through the door.”

He almost sounded proud to have handed over the invitation.

“Lawrence, you—” Waldo could feel his composure cracking.

“I appreciate the gesture, Waldo. I’ll be there,” Lawrence said, picking up the invitation in a smooth, unhurried motion. Everything about him was effortless. Calm. Unshakable.

Waldo’s eyes narrowed. Lawrence’s reactions were nothing like he expected.

Still, he told himself Lawrence was all talk, just bluffing.

“Fine. Good,” Waldo said, forcing his anger down and straightening his jacket. “See you at the auction.”

He turned and walked out, not looking back.