After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 147

“Really? Catherine is incredible! Hey, Patrick, has Lawrence reached out to you yet?” Adelina’s voice came through, warm and curious.

Patrick’s face tightened. “He’s here too?”

“He probably went to the institute to watch Catherine’s competition.”

He just grunted.

“It’s been eight years. Haven’t you cooled off by now? You really should work on that temper. Otherwise, when Catherine comes home, she’ll have to put up with your long face too,” Adelina scolded, not bothering to sugarcoat it.

“Why would I ever do that to Catherine? I’m proud of her,” Patrick shot back, his voice growing louder. “If Lawrence hadn’t kept things from me, I would’ve acknowledged her ages ago.”

Adelina’s tone softened. “Good, I’m glad to hear it. Honestly, I was worried you’d scare her off with that old stubborn attitude of yours. Catherine’s a sweetheart. Lawrence really knows how to pick them.”

Patrick grumbled, “Pure luck on his part,” but the way his eyes lit up with pride said otherwise.

“Lawrence built his company into the top player in tech. What more do you want? He didn’t use a single one of your connections or favors, and he’s still working as a consultant there.”

Patrick let out a long sigh. “Yeah, yeah, I get it. You’re going to remind me I was too harsh back then, aren’t you?”

Adelina sighed too. “Neither of you was wrong. You’re just both as stubborn as mules.”

“So, when are the kids planning to have a wedding?”

“No rush. Seems like the Blair family isn’t thrilled about the whole whirlwind marriage thing.”

***

At two in the afternoon, Catherine showed up at the conference room with her laptop. A few other participants were hovering near the door. They hadn’t paid much attention to her before.

But after this competition, they were starting to realize how impressive she actually was. She’d published a paper in an international journal five years ago, when she was just nineteen, and had already finished her doctorate.

When someone approached from behind, the other participants quickly slipped inside, giving her space.

Catherine was about to follow when a sharp, jealous voice called out behind her. “Wow, must be nice to have luck on your side. You’re just coasting on your old achievements. Nothing to brag about.”

Catherine turned, her expression cool. “Doesn’t matter when I did it. It’s still my own work. That’s all that matters.”