After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 178

Henry walked up beside her and leaned in a little. “Catherine, I’ll take care of the paperwork in the back. You can leave whenever you want.”

“Thanks, Henry,” Catherine replied.

He gave her a gentle smile. “Of course.”

Nettie pressed a hand to her chest and whispered, “If someone tossed a billion dollars at me, I’d probably faint on the spot.”

Catherine laughed. “Honestly, I think it’d knock both of us out.”

They locked eyes and burst into quiet laughter, trying to hold it in.

Across the room, Shirley glanced over. Seeing Catherine still laughing, she thought to herself that when the auction house came for her, Catherine wouldn’t have any tears left to cry.

Fifteen minutes later, Catherine and Nettie were ready to leave. As soon as they stepped out into the lobby, a frustrated voice called out from behind.

“Catherine.”

Waldo stormed over, his face set and his eyes full of disappointment.

Catherine slipped her arm through Nettie’s, not planning to stop or talk to him.

Waldo hurried ahead and blocked their way. “Hold on.”

Catherine stopped and raised an eyebrow. “What is it, Waldo?”

Catherine suddenly smiled, locking eyes with Shirley. “Make sure your face is nice and clean in a couple of days. I’d hate to get my hand dirty when I slap you.”

“Catherine, you—” Shirley’s cheeks turned red. She almost forgot that if Catherine won, she’d owe her a slap and a million dollars.

“What’s wrong? Getting cold feet?” Catherine shot her a teasing grin.

“You can only slap me if that bracelet is actually on your wrist,” Shirley replied, regaining her cool. Catherine might have bluffed her way through the bidding, but she hadn’t paid yet.

“Don’t worry. I’m not in a hurry,” Catherine said, her eyes full of confidence.

Waldo watched her, his gaze never leaving her face. “Catherine, a billion dollars. Can you really do it?”