After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 173

"Please tell the CEO I’ll do my absolute best," Catherine promised.

The meeting continued with some final details before everyone started to leave. As they stepped out, Catherine turned to Magee. "Magee, is the CEO around today? Do you think I could meet him?"

Magee gave her a knowing smile. "The CEO isn’t usually in the office. He handles anything important by phone."

Catherine couldn’t help herself. "Is he, like, an older gentleman?"

Magee paused, then laughed. "You’ll see for yourself when you meet him."

Catherine felt her cheeks warm. Magee’s answer was so vague it only made her more curious about this mysterious CEO.

She tried not to let her disappointment show. Magee added, "By the way, Project Apex Initiative is yours. The CEO trusts you completely, so just go for it. The company has your back, no matter what comes up."

A warm wave of gratitude rushed through her. She nodded. "Thank you. I’ll head back to my office now."

"Oh, and one more thing," Magee called after her. "The CEO asked me to tell you something. I heard you’re going to an auction tonight to bid on something?"

Catherine nodded right away. "Yeah, there’s something really important I want to get."

"The CEO says you can bid without holding back. He’ll take care of it."

Relief and excitement bubbled up inside her. The way she’d been treated with Project Apex Initiative made it clear—the CEO really valued her.

If that was the case, she might as well take it as a stroke of good luck.

Around noon, Nettie called to say she’d go with Catherine to the auction. When she found out Catherine’s tab would be covered by Nexus Dynamics’ CEO, she practically squealed.

"Catherine, you’re killing it! Now you don’t have to worry about missing out."

After dinner, they headed to the auction. The event was super exclusive, and rumor had it you needed proof of funds just to get in.

Thankfully, Catherine had two invitations, so they could walk right in without a problem.

At the entrance, Catherine spotted Henry and joined him. Just as the three of them were about to head inside, a group entered the lobby. Waldo strode in wearing a sharp dark blue suit, exuding the quiet confidence of someone powerful. Beside him was Shirley in a stunning light blue gown, looking absolutely gorgeous. Together, they looked like they belonged on a magazine cover.

Waldo seemed deep in thought until his eyes landed on Catherine. Instantly, his attention locked onto her. He walked straight over.

Catherine grabbed Nettie’s hand, about to leave, when he called out, "Catherine, wait."

She rolled her eyes and turned to glare at him. "Waldo, who said you could order me around?" You could practically feel his controlling streak.

Shirley hadn’t expected to run into Catherine either. She let out a little laugh. "Catherine, what are the odds? Don’t tell me you’re getting stopped at the door."