After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 177

Shirley felt like she was about to explode. It was so obvious now. Waldo didn’t care about the bracelet anymore. He was only here to swoop in and clean up the reckless mess Catherine had made.

She was right about him. Waldo wasn’t after the bracelet, and he wasn’t even here to win. He just showed up, took charge of the chaos Catherine had stirred up, and sent her a message without saying a word.

It was like he was telling her, “No matter how wild you get, I can handle it for you. And Lawrence? He wouldn’t even dare to show his face.”

In the end, Catherine, you still have to rely on me.

Right then, Catherine’s phone lit up in the dim room. It was a message from the boss at Nexus Dynamics. Catherine, don’t be afraid. Just go all in. Bid a billion.

Catherine straightened her back. She lifted her paddle, slow and steady, her voice clear and firm. “One billion.”

This time, Catherine was the one who raised the stakes.

The number hit the room like a bomb. Suddenly, nobody cared about their social status. People turned and whispered to each other. For a jade bracelet, this young woman just bid a billion dollars. Who was she? Who was backing her?

Waldo’s calm expression started to slip. He was here to help her, but she didn’t seem grateful at all.

“Waldo, there’s no point fighting her,” Shirley said in a softer voice. “When Catherine can’t come up with the cash, she’ll have no choice but to beg you.”

Waldo tugged at his suit jacket, his jaw tight with anger. Fine. Let’s see how you get out of this, Catherine. Maybe Lawrence will divorce her, and then he could step in and save the day.

The auctioneer jumped at the chance to close the deal. “One billion, once. One billion, twice. One billion, sold! Congratulations to the lady!”

The gavel came down, ending this ridiculous show of wealth.

Waldo glanced over at Catherine, expecting her to finally realize what she’d done and start to panic.

You’re welcome.

Soon after, Lawrence sent another message. Just enjoy yourself. Don’t stress.

Switching between the chats, Catherine suddenly got a weird feeling.

Why did the boss at Nexus Dynamics and Lawrence sound so much alike?

The thought made her heart skip, but then she laughed at herself.

That was impossible. Lawrence was still working late at Nestor’s company, and the Nexus Dynamics boss seemed to know every detail about the auction.

She shook off the silly idea, took a deep breath, and let her mind settle.