After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 183

"Dad!" Catherine called out, her voice bright.

"Linda's already set up your room," Nestor told her, then turned to Lawrence. "Lawrence, come have some tea before you head out."

"Thanks, Dad."

"We've arranged a dorm for you at the factory," Nestor said, giving Lawrence's shoulder a reassuring pat. "It's not fancy, but I need you to keep an eye on the production line for me."

"I'll do my best," Lawrence replied, nodding earnestly.

Catherine glanced at him, her heart tugging a little. She really didn’t want to be apart from him, but she knew this was Nestor’s way of testing them. There was no choice but to accept a little time apart.

Anyway, she was about to throw herself into the Apex Initiative project, and Lawrence had to look after the production line. Both of them were about to get really busy. If she wanted to help Lawrence move up to vice president one day, he had to prove himself to Nestor now.

A little distance now meant a better future for them. If Lawrence could earn Nestor’s trust and support, his career would only get better from here.

On the upstairs landing, Shirley had heard the car pull in. Now, as she listened to Nestor and Lawrence talking downstairs, a sly look flickered in her eyes.

She already had a plan forming.

Fifteen minutes later, Lawrence left. Catherine went back to her old room, checked to make sure everything was in order, then started unpacking for what would be two months of living separately.

Upstairs, Shirley sat at her desk, her phone screen glowing with Lawrence’s work history. She’d pulled a few strings to get it.

It was almost boring how spotless it was.

He’d joined Nexus Dynamics the year the company started, fresh out of Neotech University. He’d worked his way up from technician to engineering consultant, led a few projects, but nothing impressive—just some old tech that the company had replaced years ago.

He turned to look down at her, his eyes soft as he brushed her hair from her forehead. "Did you sleep well?"

"It was okay," Catherine said, her voice gentle. "I grew up here, so it feels pretty normal now." Then she bit her lip, worry creeping in. "What about you? Should I ask my dad to let you move back home? I hate the thought of you stuck in some company dorm. It’s not fair."

Lawrence smiled and shook his head. "No need. Your dad’s company is upgrading the production line, so I need to be close by anyway. This just makes it easier."

Catherine hugged him tighter, still a little anxious. "Then why did you come see me so early?"

Lawrence took her hand and led her over to her desk. That’s when she noticed a small velvet box sitting on top. Her eyes widened. "Is that… my grandmother’s bracelet?"

Lawrence nodded. "Open it."

Catherine felt her chest go warm. She picked up the box carefully, almost afraid to hope. When she opened it, the family heirloom was right there, shining softly. Tears stung her eyes. She couldn’t believe it was finally back in her hands.