After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 168

“You…” Shirley’s face turned bright red, her anger impossible to hide.

Catherine just laughed, her voice sharp. “What’s wrong? You’re scared, aren’t you? All you ever do is hide in the shadows and judge people with your own dirty little thoughts. Is that all you know how to do?”

Alice couldn’t take it anymore and stepped in. “Catherine, that’s enough. Shirley’s actually really talented, you know.”

Shirley bit back her frustration, forcing herself to calm down. Then she remembered the auction tomorrow night and suddenly had an idea. “You think you’re so impressive, right? Fine. If you can win your grandma’s heirloom back at the auction tomorrow, then I’ll…”

Before she could finish, Catherine cut her off with a smug raise of her brow. “If I get it back, what are you going to do? Get down and beg? Or maybe bow your head to me?”

“In your dreams,” Shirley snapped, but a glint flashed in her eyes. There was no way Catherine could actually win that heirloom back, so why not push her luck? “Catherine, how about we make a bet?”

Catherine eyed her, already suspicious. “What kind of bet?”

“In three days, whoever’s wearing your grandma’s heirloom wins. The loser has to take three slaps from the winner. Deal?”

Catherine just smirked. So this is about getting back at her for last time, huh?

Alice, who’d already heard that Waldo was going to help Shirley at the auction, couldn’t resist stirring the pot. “What happened, Catherine? Weren’t you bragging about how amazing you are? Getting cold feet now?”

Catherine was still weighing her options when her phone buzzed. She glanced down and saw a message from Magee.

Catherine, someone just added you. You should accept.

Who is it? she typed back, confused.

The CEO, Magee replied.

Just go for it. I’ll cover you. The answer was simple and powerful.

For Catherine, those words couldn’t have come at a better time.

She looked up and met Shirley’s challenging stare, a slow smile spreading across her face. “Alright, I’ll take your bet. But let’s raise the stakes. Besides the three slaps, let’s add a million dollars.”

“A million?” Shirley scoffed. Sure, she could afford it. But could Catherine?

“No problem,” Shirley said, a sly smile playing on her lips. “Let’s record it, so no one can back out.”

They both pulled out their phones and recorded themselves stating the terms of their bet, loud and clear.

Upstairs, on the landing, a tall figure had been quietly watching for a while. Lawrence’s eyes were calm and deep, hiding a sharpness underneath. Finally, he smiled to himself, slid his phone into his pocket, and walked away.