After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 135

Lawrence’s maddening calm finally set Waldo off. As soon as he got into the elevator, he punched the wall, hard.

“Damn it. Does that broke loser have no pride at all? Or is his skin just that thick?”

Waldo yanked at his tie, irritation simmering in his chest. He rarely lost his cool, but Lawrence always managed to get under his skin.

Back in the office, Lawrence held the invitation in his hand. His gaze grew colder by the second, sharp as a blade drawn fresh from its sheath. He checked his watch, then picked up the phone. “Book the five thirty flight for me. I want to be back on the ten o’clock return.”

“Yes, Lawrence.”

***

At Harrisburg Institute of Technology, Catherine was having dinner in the cafeteria when a man in his early thirties slid into the seat across from her.

“Catherine, mind if I join you?”

“Of course.” She smiled and nodded.

The man was Owen, an engineer from Nexus Dynamics and a top graduate of the institute. He was here for the same reason as Catherine.

“Catherine, do you feel confident about this?” Owen asked. He was also hoping to secure the Project Apex Initiative.

Catherine thought for a moment, then nodded. “I do.”

Owen’s eyes brightened, but as he glanced toward Shirley sitting not far away, his expression faded. “I don’t think I stand much of a chance.”

“Don’t get discouraged. Eat first, worry later,” Catherine said, offering him a reassuring smile.

Owen wasn’t alone in feeling shaky. The other visiting students looked just as uneasy. Shirley’s Resonance AI was a perfect fit for the Project Apex Initiative, both in concept and in the underlying tech.

Who could compete with the so-called ‘Mother of Resonance AI’?

It was enough to make anyone lose confidence. Rumor had it that the entire Project Apex Initiative was practically designed for Shirley.

She had it all: the title of Mother of Resonance AI, the full support of The James Group, a genius reputation at Nexus Dynamics, and connections everywhere.

Owen let out a long sigh and focused on his food. Catherine glanced at Shirley but didn’t comment on her skills. She knew Shirley didn’t always win by pure technical merit. She was just better at pulling resources together and leveraging outside help.

Why was he here?

For a second, Catherine wondered if she was imagining things. But then he stepped forward, a bouquet of roses in his hands, making his way toward her.

Under the bright cafeteria lights, Lawrence looked effortlessly striking. His white shirt and dark pants showed off his broad shoulders and lean waist. The sharp angles of his face, those deep, dark eyes—he was the kind of handsome that made you forget to breathe.

He moved with a calm confidence that hinted at something powerful beneath the surface. The blend of discipline and strength made him stand out in any crowd.

It felt like every light in the room was on him. Students, teachers, even cafeteria staff stopped what they were doing to watch.

“Whoa, who is that? He’s gorgeous!”

“His vibe is unreal. So intense. And look at that body.”

“He’s got roses! Who are they for?”

Whispers buzzed everywhere as Lawrence walked through the room.