After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 160

Nestor’s smile faded a little as he paused, really thinking it over. When he finally spoke, his voice was firmer. “Shirley, you’re worrying too much. This time, things are different. You didn’t see Magee’s attitude, or the proposal he brought today. This isn’t some hostile takeover. It’s a real strategic investment. They want to help my company upgrade and transform, not swallow it up. And the way Lawrence is handling things…”

Lately, Shirley had lost count of how many times she’d heard her dad praise Lawrence’s skills. Was he the one who landed this partnership too? Lawrence was clearly working overtime to win Nestor over.

Shirley grinned and cut him off. “Dad, you really do think the world of Lawrence, don’t you?”

Nestor hesitated, not quite sure what she meant.

She kept going. “Lawrence is so capable, and he’s been throwing himself into helping the company fix its problems and push for change. But Dad, have you ever stopped to think… what’s in it for him?”

She gave him a long, meaningful look, waiting for him to connect the dots.

The happiness on Nestor’s face slipped away, his brows pulling tight. “Shirley, what are you getting at? Isn’t it good that Lawrence is helping out?”

“Of course it’s good. I just don’t get it. He used to be just an ordinary consultant at Nexus Dynamics, but lately he’s been… incredible. He’s reorganizing the business, landing deals with Nexus Dynamics. But he and Catherine barely know each other. They got married in a whirlwind. I doubt even Catherine really understands him, but you already trust him completely.”

Nestor stared at Shirley, suddenly uneasy. She had touched the nerve he hated most: the idea that Lawrence might have his own agenda.

Shirley watched his reaction, then pressed on. “It’s not that I doubt Lawrence’s abilities. In fact, he’s almost too good. That’s what worries me. You’ve given him so much power, let him into the core of the company. What if he’s not as honest as he seems?”

Nestor felt a chill deep in his chest.

Shirley watched Nestor’s expression and knew her plan was working. There was no way she’d let Catherine and Lawrence’s scheme succeed.

A sly smile tugged at her lips as she decided to push a little further. “Dad, I get why you admire Lawrence, but you really can’t know what’s in someone’s heart. He and Catherine haven’t even been married that long. There’s no real foundation between them. You need to test him.”

Nestor had always respected Shirley’s instincts. Her words carried weight.

“And how should I do that?” he asked, genuinely interested.

Shirley took a sip of tea, thinking it over. “Catherine’s always been sheltered by Waldo. She’s pretty naïve. Dad, why not have her move back home for a while? It doesn’t have to be forever. Three months should be enough.”