After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 174

“Relax, we have invitations,” Catherine replied, her voice crisp and steady.

Waldo’s gaze lingered on her, deep and unreadable. “I know your grandmother’s heirloom is up for auction tonight. If you want it, I can—”

Catherine didn’t let him finish. “That’s not necessary. I can win it myself.”

Waldo’s jaw tightened. He looked a little annoyed. “Are you sure about that?”

Catherine met his eyes. “What, are you planning to compete with me?”

Shirley, who had been standing quietly nearby, suddenly chimed in with a mocking smile. “Catherine, what’s that supposed to mean? Waldo’s supposed to just let you win?”

Catherine barely glanced at her. “You’ve got it wrong. I don’t need him to go easy on me. I’ll win it either way.”

Waldo’s expression darkened. Clearly, she didn’t appreciate his help. “Catherine, I promised you once that I’d find your grandmother’s things for you. That promise still stands.”

The message was obvious. Waldo was determined to get it for her, whether she liked it or not.

A flash of complicated emotion crossed Catherine’s eyes, something like anger mixed with old hurt. “We’re over, Waldo. Anything I said before doesn’t matter anymore.”

Waldo scoffed, refusing to back down. “I always keep my word.” The more she pushed him away, the more stubborn he became.

Waldo turned and walked into the auction hall. Shirley lingered, smirking at Catherine. “If you’re so proud, Catherine, don’t act all grateful if Waldo ends up winning it for you.”

Catherine let out a short laugh. “What makes you so sure he’ll be the one to win?”

Shirley raised an eyebrow. “Are you doubting Waldo’s bank account?” She paused, lips curving into a sly grin. “Honestly, the only person who could outbid Waldo is the mysterious founder of Nexus Dynamics.”

Nettie, standing beside Catherine, burst out laughing.

Shirley shot her a cold glare. “What’s so funny?”

Nettie just raised an eyebrow. “Am I not allowed to laugh?”

It was Lawrence.

Yeah, I’m here. What about you?

Working late.

Okay, I’ll call you after it’s over, Catherine replied.

Upstairs, in a private box on the second floor, someone watched Catherine from afar. Lawrence’s eyes softened when he saw her.

Magee stood beside him. “Everything’s arranged,” he said quietly. “If the bidding hits the maximum, the donor will pull it from the sale. No matter what happens, no one else will get their hands on it.”

Lawrence’s voice was calm but firm. “That bracelet belongs to her. No one else.”

Magee almost laughed, but managed to hide it. Who would have guessed the mysterious, low-key founder of Nexus Dynamics was just a lovesick husband behind closed doors? And he seemed to enjoy playing the part of an ordinary guy for his wife.