After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 161

Before Nestor could say a word, Shirley leaned in, her voice low but steady. “If you have Catherine move back home, you can ask Lawrence to come over often too. We’ll all get a chance to see what he’s really like. If he’s hiding something or not as genuine as he seems, it’ll be easier to spot. Don’t you think?”

Nestor rubbed his chin, thinking it over. Shirley actually made sense. This was a good way to test Lawrence’s loyalty and see what kind of person he truly was.

“Dad, you’re the head of the family. For the company, and for Catherine’s happiness, I really think it’s necessary. It’s only three months. You’re not asking them to split up or anything. If Lawrence passes, you can trust him with Catherine. And if he doesn’t…”

She let her words hang in the air, letting Nestor fill in the blank himself.

Listening to Shirley, Nestor felt his resolve harden. She was right. He needed to take responsibility for Catherine’s future.

“Alright,” he said finally, nodding. “We’ll do it your way. Let’s see what Lawrence is really made of.”

A flash of satisfaction crossed Shirley’s face. Lawrence never paid her any attention, and Catherine had stolen her project. Why shouldn’t she make things difficult for them?

“Oh, and Dad, please don’t tell Catherine and Lawrence this was my idea. I don’t want to get stuck in the middle,” Shirley said, pouting a little.

Nestor gave her a reassuring look. “Don’t worry. I won’t make things hard for you. You’re just looking out for the family.”

Shirley smiled. “When you talk to Catherine, you can tell her that if Lawrence passes your test, you’ll agree to a wedding. She’ll definitely be on board then.”

Nestor nodded again, feeling more certain. If he was going to hand over the company and Catherine’s future, he needed to be sure about Lawrence.

Shirley looked down at her tea, a small, cold smile tugging at her lips. Three months was more than enough time for all sorts of things to happen.

Would Catherine and Lawrence still be so close after that? They’d only known each other for less than two months. How could something that new survive any real challenges?

She grabbed her bag and stood up. “Dad, I’m heading out. Have Catherine and Lawrence come home for dinner tonight. I’ll ask Mom to make something special for Lawrence.”

Nestor nodded. “Alright, go on. I’ll take care of it.”

Shirley stepped out into the hall, glancing down the corridor with a spark of triumph in her eyes. No matter how talented Lawrence was, it wouldn’t matter if Nestor started to doubt him.

She honestly didn’t love being at that house, but just this once, she figured she could go.

“Okay, Lawrence and I will come for dinner,” she replied.

“I’ll tell Lawrence too. Come home after work.” With that, Nestor hung up.

Catherine sat down at her desk and quickly texted Lawrence.

My dad wants us to have dinner at The Blair Estate tonight.

Lawrence replied almost immediately.

He already told me. I’m on my way to pick you up.