After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 156

After breakfast, Lawrence dropped Catherine off at Nexus Dynamics before heading out to The Blair Group for work. Only a few top executives at Nexus Dynamics knew that Catherine had landed the Project Apex Initiative. Everyone else just thought she was away on some training.

When they pulled up at the building, Catherine was about to get out when Lawrence leaned over and said, “Don’t forget to ask about the billion-dollar advance.”

She flashed him an OK sign. “Promise, I won’t.”

The auction was coming up this Friday, so she needed to get her request in today.

Lawrence smiled as he watched her walk into the lobby. Then he drove off.

Catherine headed straight to the R&D department. She checked her emails for a bit, then picked up the phone and dialed Magee’s office.

“Hi, Magee. Do you have a minute? There’s something I’d like to talk to you about in person.”

“Come on up,” Magee replied, his voice warm and calm.

Catherine took a deep breath. Even thinking about asking for a billion-dollar advance felt outrageous. But with Lawrence’s encouragement, she felt braver.

She knocked on Magee’s door. His deep voice came from inside. “Come in.”

Her heart started pounding as she walked in and stood in front of his desk. “Magee, I have a special request. I was hoping you could help me pass it up to management.”

Magee looked at her, one eyebrow slightly raised. “Alright. Let’s hear it.”

She took another breath, nerves running wild. “I have an urgent need. I’d like the company to give me a one-time salary advance. One billion dollars.”

As soon as the words were out, she started to fidget with her hands. She knew she was asking for the impossible.

Magee tapped his fingers lightly on the desk, thinking.

Catherine’s heart dropped. Maybe she was pushing too far. Was she putting Magee on the spot?

“I know this is a huge ask,” she said quickly. “It’s not the usual process, but I really need it. I promise I’ll give everything I have to Nexus Dynamics for the next ten years. And when we win the Resonance AI lawsuit, I’ll even sell my shares back to the company at a discount until the advance is paid off.”

He wasn’t wrong about that. She definitely would.

Catherine finally let out a breath, feeling a huge weight lifted off her shoulders. She’d only wanted an advance, but now she was getting a bonus instead. It felt unreal. The money would be hers, no strings attached.

“Thank you, Magee. I’ll get back to work now.” She tried to hide the excitement in her voice as she left his office, practically floating down the hallway.

Magee just smiled and shook his head. He picked up his phone and sent a quick message.

Done as you asked.

Thanks. Did she suspect anything?

No, she’s really happy.

There was no reply after that. Magee knew Lawrence was busy with The Blair Group and didn’t want to bother him.