After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 148

Shirley’s eyes burned with frustration and envy. “One win doesn’t mean anything. Just wait, this isn’t over between us.”

Catherine’s smile grew. “Fine. Let’s see what happens next.”

Shirley lifted her chin a little higher. “My proposal wasn’t bad. You just got lucky this time.”

“Losing is losing. Why bother with all these excuses?” Catherine laughed, her tone light but sharp.

“You…” Shirley’s chest rose and fell as she struggled to keep her cool. She clenched her jaw. “Don’t get cocky, Catherine. You really think winning one project makes you untouchable? Don’t forget, this is tech. Out here, it’s all about real talent and keeping up. Those old theories you cling to will get tossed out sooner or later.”

Catherine glanced at Shirley, who was practically shaking with anger. Trading words felt pointless now. In the end, it wasn’t talk that mattered.

“If that’s how you feel, you’d better work harder. Next time you lose, you won’t even have luck to blame,” Catherine shot back, then headed for the conference room without another look.

Shirley’s face went pale. She glared at Catherine’s back and stormed in behind her.

At the awards meeting, everyone got a round of praise, especially Catherine and Shirley. It was no secret to the crowd that they were sisters. After that morning’s debate, it was pretty clear they weren’t exactly close.

Once things wrapped up, their mentor told the group to get a good night’s rest, since they’d all be heading home tomorrow.

Three weeks had passed in a blur. Catherine had won the development rights for the project. Now it was time to get back to her job at Nexus Dynamics.

She glanced at the calendar. The end of the month was almost here. She needed to talk to her boss at Nexus Dynamics about borrowing some money, and fast. She couldn’t afford to miss the auction for her grandmother’s things.

The next morning, Catherine’s phone pinged with a flight confirmation. She was booked on a first-class flight to Cabinda at three in the afternoon.

Once Catherine disappeared inside, he got back in the car and made a call. “Patrick, Catherine’s at the airport. All safe.”

“Good. Hank’s up next. He’ll make sure she gets on the plane,” Patrick replied.

He had gone straight to Lawrence to get this assignment. While Catherine was still in Harrisburg, he wanted to be sure she was safe and sound until she boarded her flight back to Cabinda.

Luckily, Lawrence had agreed without a fuss this time.

Catherine boarded her flight without any issues. But luck wasn’t entirely on her side—Shirley was on the same flight, and somehow, she was seated right next to her.

When they landed in Cabinda, Catherine and Shirley wheeled their suitcases out together. In the crowd at the arrivals gate, a tall, striking figure stood waiting, impossible to miss.