After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 157

Back in her office, Catherine finally let herself smile. She grabbed her phone and called Lawrence, barely able to contain her excitement.

He picked up after just two rings, his voice warm and familiar. “Catherine!”

“Lawrence, I talked to Magee. Guess what he said?” Even over the phone, she sounded like she might burst with happiness.

“What did he say?”

A grin spread across her face. “He said yes. And not just yes. He’s giving it to me as a bonus. A whole billion, as a company bonus!”

She could hardly sit still. “And he promised the money will be in my account by tomorrow afternoon. A billion-dollar bonus. Can you believe that?”

Lawrence’s voice was steady and soft, the kind of tone that always made her feel safe. “You earned it.”

“I’m just so happy,” she said, unable to hide her joy.

He laughed quietly. “My wife is incredible.”

A rush of warmth filled her chest. She laughed too, teasing him right back. “And my husband isn’t too bad himself.”

“Nexus Dynamics knows talent when they see it. They’re smart to reward you. Take the money, don’t overthink it.”

She nodded, still smiling. “This means I can finally buy back my grandma’s heirloom at the auction.”

Thinking of that, she said, a little smug, “Oh, and Magee said I’ll get to meet the CEO one day. I wonder what the boss of Nexus Dynamics is like. Do you think he’s super serious?”

In his own office at The Blair Group, Lawrence paused with his pen hovering over a contract. He smiled. “What do you imagine he’s like?”

Catherine didn’t hesitate. “Definitely some grumpy old guy.”

Other than that legendary “mother of Resonance AI” over at The James Group, there wasn’t anyone else her age making such waves.

***

At The Blair Group, Nestor was practically buzzing as he adjusted his suit, running his hands over the fabric to smooth out imaginary wrinkles. Today, Magee, the Vice President of Nexus Dynamics, would be arriving in person to visit and discuss something important. Nexus Dynamics hadn’t shared what the meeting was about, but Nestor just had a gut feeling it was good news.

He hovered at the conference room door, straightening his tie again and again as he stared at his reflection in the glass. Meeting someone from Nexus Dynamics management face-to-face was a huge deal. Now their VP was coming in person. That meant something big.

Lawrence walked in just then and found his dad looking a little anxious. He smiled. “Dad.”

Nestor turned around, barely able to hide the excitement in his voice. “Lawrence, perfect timing. Magee from Nexus Dynamics will be here any minute. This is a huge opportunity for us. We can’t let it slip by.”

He stepped closer, giving Lawrence’s shoulder an encouraging squeeze. “You know the company inside and out now. When the meeting starts, we need to be sharp. Show Magee our sincerity and play up every advantage we have. Let’s make sure they see why partnering with us is the right move.”