After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 179

“I’m not even worried myself, so why are you two, who barely know me, freaking out on my behalf?” Catherine said, looping her arm through Nettie’s. “Let’s go.”

Waldo called after her, “Catherine, if you can’t fix this, you can always come back to me.”

Catherine heard him, but she didn’t look back. She just kept walking.

Waldo’s fists tightened at his sides as he watched her leave. This wave of helplessness crashed into him, regret burning in his chest. If only… If only he’d swum to Catherine first that day in the ocean, she would be his wife now. She’d be that bright, dazzling woman who only had eyes for him.

So why did Lawrence get to be the lucky one? Waldo’s eyes darkened with jealousy. He’d checked into Lawrence’s background. The guy had been at Nexus Dynamics for eight years and still only made it to consultant. How could someone so average deserve someone like Catherine, someone who shined wherever she went?

Shirley, sensing Waldo’s mood, gently took his arm. “Waldo, just let it go. Catherine got herself into this, so let her figure it out.”

Waldo pulled his arm away. “I’m leaving.”

Shirley stood there for a moment, watching Waldo’s retreating back. After a few seconds, she pulled out her phone and dialed Nestor.

“What? She spent a billion on her grandmother’s bracelet?” Nestor’s voice exploded through the phone.

“Dad, don’t get so worked up. Catherine just acted on impulse… She said she could handle it.”

“A billion? Not ten thousand, not even a million. Where is she supposed to get that kind of money?” Nestor was clearly furious.

“Dad, do you think… maybe Catherine plans to use Mom’s company shares to pay off the debt?” Shirley said, pretending to guess.

“What did you say? She wouldn’t dare.”

“Dad, if that’s really what she’s thinking, you can’t let her off easy. Catherine needs to learn there are consequences for this kind of thing. Besides, if people find out she sold company shares to pay a debt, that’s going to be embarrassing for you, too.”

“I get it. I’ll call her right now.” Nestor hung up, breathing heavily.

Nestor’s tone changed, surprise and even a little pride seeping through. “You actually know the boss of Nexus Dynamics?”

Catherine bit her lip. She had no choice but to keep going. “Yeah… He thinks I’m talented.”

Nestor knew about her winning the project. For Catherine to stand out among the best at the tech institute, she clearly had what it takes.

Back in his office, Nestor had already swallowed two heart pills, afraid he’d pass out from all the stress. But as he listened to Catherine, his mood finally began to ease.

“Don’t do anything so reckless next time,” he still couldn’t help but remind her.

“Dad, relax. No matter how impulsive I get, I always know my boundaries,” Catherine said, her tone turning serious. “This heirloom was Grandma’s. I had to get it back, whatever it took.”

Nestor was quiet for a few seconds. He remembered all too well how Catherine’s grandmother had sold off those treasures to help him build his company. Now Catherine was able to buy them back with her own abilities. It just made him feel all the more responsible… and a little ashamed.