After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 176

Who was that girl, anyway? She’d just bulldozed her way through the crowd, and now she looked ready to go toe to toe with Waldo. Was she really that bold?

Nettie squeezed Catherine’s hand, her voice barely above a whisper. “A hundred million. Waldo’s lost it. He’s actually bidding against you.”

Catherine gave her hand a gentle pat, her voice smooth and steady. “One hundred and twenty million.”

That got everyone’s attention. Heads turned. People stared at Catherine, surprised by how calm and collected she seemed, as if she didn’t have a single doubt.

Where did this girl get her confidence? Who did she think she was, daring to challenge the head of The James Group?

Waldo’s eyes flickered with surprise. He’d figured a hundred million would scare off anyone. The last thing he expected was for Catherine to up the ante.

He scowled and lifted his paddle again. “Two hundred million.”

The crowd broke out in a flurry of whispers. No one could believe a bracelet was now worth two hundred million.

Catherine didn’t even blink. She raised her paddle. “Two hundred fifty million.”

Waldo’s next bid was sharper, his voice tight. “Five hundred million.” This wasn’t just about the bracelet anymore. He wanted Catherine to back down, to realize she was in over her head. Honestly, he thought he was doing her a favor.

Shirley, standing next to him, looked like she was about to explode. She could tell what Waldo was trying to do—give Catherine a way out, save her from herself.

She couldn’t believe Catherine was still bidding, like it was no big deal. Was she crazy? Or did she just know Waldo would always clean up her mess?

Why did Catherine get to mess around like this and still have Waldo covering for her, no matter what?

Five hundred million. All for a woman who wasn’t even his anymore. Was it really worth it?

Catherine’s heart was pounding so hard she thought everyone could hear it. Her hands were sweaty. Five hundred million. She couldn’t even wrap her head around that kind of money.

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