After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 144

Catherine met Lawrence’s gaze, her eyes steady and calm. She gave a small, confident smile. “Questions about Resonance AI’s originality aren’t really what we’re here to talk about, so let’s not take up everyone’s time with that.”

Her voice carried a quiet certainty. “I brought up my research today because I wanted the judges to know that my Project Apex Initiative proposal is entirely my own work. It’s not copied from anyone.”

Jay started clapping right away. “That was great, really great. Your proposal is so forward-thinking and actually practical. In my opinion, this is the best direction we’ve seen today.”

Another judge, Okes, nodded in agreement. “Absolutely. It’s impressive, and it really shows your independence and creativity.”

The rest of the judges added their own positive comments. It was obvious to everyone in the room who had come out on top.

Waldo’s face turned stormy. Shirley sat frozen in her seat, wide-eyed, as if she couldn’t believe Catherine had just outshone her.

The result spoke for itself.

Jay stepped up to the stage for the final summary, then announced that the official project winner would be revealed in three days.

Shirley’s eyes filled with tears as she glared at Catherine, who had returned to her seat. She felt a bitterness she couldn’t swallow.

She lost.

She actually lost to Catherine?

The sting of it was almost unbearable. Then, out of the corner of her eye, she saw someone get up to leave.

It was Waldo. He didn’t say a word, but the disappointment rolling off him made Shirley’s heart race with panic.

She snatched up her laptop bag and hurried after him.

Meanwhile, Catherine was surrounded by congratulations from the other trainees. Owen came up, practically bouncing with excitement. “Catherine, you were incredible. There’s no way Project Apex Initiative isn’t going to Nexus Dynamics now.”

Catherine just smiled modestly. “Let’s wait and see what the results are.”

She caught Magee’s eye across the room. He gave her a nod of approval, then said something quietly to Lawrence before heading out.

Catherine turned as Lawrence walked over. She stood up, happiness lighting up her face as she moved to meet him.

“How did I do?” she asked, tilting her chin up. The poised tech whiz from a moment ago suddenly seemed more like a playful kid, just for him.

Lawrence’s eyes were warm and proud as he took her hand. “You were amazing.”

Catherine and Lawrence.

Waldo’s fists clenched without him even thinking about it. Jealousy hit him hard. Why did Lawrence get to have someone as brilliant and bright as Catherine?

Did he really deserve her?

Shirley noticed them too. She stared at their backs, biting down on her lip so hard it almost hurt.

She never thought she’d lose to Catherine. For five years, she’d just been a pretty face at Waldo’s side, nothing more. How could Catherine, of all people, have come up with something so impressive?

Waldo took a steadying breath and patted Shirley on the shoulder. “Project Apex Initiative isn’t my main concern. Resonance AI is what matters most. Go back and keep working on it.”

He turned and walked away. After a few steps, he looked up and saw Catherine with Lawrence not far ahead.

Catherine was gazing up at Lawrence, saying something with a playful spark in her eyes. Lawrence watched her with gentle affection, his hand wrapped tightly around hers, as if letting the whole world know she belonged with him.

That scene hurt Waldo even more than seeing Catherine take the project win.

He felt like everything she was—her smile, her trust, her warmth—should have been his.