After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 142

Waldo’s eyes flicked back and forth between them. The whole scene felt like a needle poking right through him, sharp and impossible to ignore.

Just a moment ago, Catherine had been all calm and collected. Now, seeing Lawrence, she was suddenly bright and beaming, happy like a little kid.

That sweet side of Catherine… Waldo thought it should have belonged to him.

But now, she only smiled for Lawrence.

Jealousy burned in his chest, so sharp it almost cracked through his carefully polished calm. He squeezed the armrest, fingers digging in until his knuckles turned pale.

Shirley didn’t miss any of this. Watching it all play out left her feeling sour, too.

Waldo’s grip on Catherine was as tight as ever. Even though she was married, he still wouldn’t let go.

But Shirley didn’t mind watching him squirm. The more broken Waldo’s heart, the more his pride got trampled by Catherine, the better chance Shirley had herself.

She noticed Lawrence, too. Sure, standing next to Magee made people look at him differently, but Shirley knew exactly who he really was, even if everyone else was clueless.

Since Lawrence was Magee’s guest, he got a front row seat.

That alone made Waldo bristle. Some consultant sitting on the same level as him? It was insulting.

Waldo shot Lawrence a mocking look.

Lawrence glanced up, but his face stayed completely cool, like none of this mattered to him at all.

Waldo gritted his teeth, swallowing his frustration. In a place like this, only real power could settle things.

He told himself to be patient. Once Shirley won the Project Apex Initiative, The James Group would crush Nexus Dynamics. When Waldo became the big name in tech, he’d have no trouble kicking Lawrence out of the industry for good.

Catherine propped her chin in her hand, eyes wandering to Lawrence’s handsome silhouette in the front row. A little smile curled on her lips. She’d known he’d show up. She’d been waiting for him since last night.

That one line made her heart feel warm and light. She looked up at Lawrence’s straight back. As if he could feel her eyes on him, he turned a little, glancing over his shoulder.

For a few seconds, their eyes met.

Catherine smiled and gave him a quick wink.

Lawrence’s lips curled up at the corners, then he turned back to face the stage.

The previous trainee wrapped up, looking defeated despite the encouraging applause.

“Next up, Catherine, please come to the stage,” the host called out.

Catherine stood, ready for her moment.