After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 185

Shirley had made sure Alice found Bonnie a spot at Nestor’s factory, as the assistant to the engineering manager. As soon as Bonnie heard, she slipped into a skirt suit and headed out with Shirley, no hesitation.

Word was that Nestor’s factory had just upgraded its production line. Shirley wanted to see with her own eyes how much Nexus Dynamics had actually invested. She sent Bonnie off to HR to finish her paperwork, then walked straight into the workshop herself. The second she stepped inside, someone instantly caught her eye.

Sunlight poured through the giant windows, lighting up the busy workshop. Lawrence stood near the center, leaning in to talk with a group of engineers. He wore a pale gray shirt with the sleeves rolled up, showing off strong forearms. His side profile was striking, all sharp features and deep-set eyes. Even surrounded by humming machines, he stood out effortlessly.

He was listening closely, nodding sometimes, asking questions at others. Everything about the way he moved felt calm and in control, like he was born to take charge of a room.

Shirley’s heart skipped before she could stop it. Lawrence’s background wasn’t anything special. So why did he have this commanding presence? There was something about him—a mix of good looks, quiet confidence, and this clean, straightforward energy—that was impossible to ignore.

Her grip tightened on her purse. Catherine really had stumbled onto a gold mine. Forget money, Lawrence on his own was magnetic.

Shirley forced herself to look away and focus on the factory floor. What she saw left her stunned. The old, labor-heavy workshop had been transformed. Now, the whole place was lined with brand-new, fully automated production lines, gleaming under the lights. High-def screens displayed real-time data and equipment status. There were barely any workers—just a few technicians in matching uniforms, making sure everything ran smoothly. It was efficient, orderly, and smart in every sense.

Shirley held her breath. Was this really how much Nexus Dynamics had invested in Nestor? The place was on par with the country’s best, and the money behind it must have been massive.

Her gaze drifted back to Lawrence, still talking with the engineers in the middle of it all. The entire company’s transformation had started after he showed up. Was he really the reason for all this?

She shook her head. Ridiculous.

Lawrence was just lucky to have Nexus Dynamics backing him. That was the only reason Nestor valued him now. He’d worked at Nexus Dynamics for eight years. Upgrading an old factory was hardly proof of genius.

That idea calmed Shirley down. She picked up her phone and sent Bonnie another message.

Remember, I need real proof. Once it’s done, money is no object.

Got it, Bonnie shot back right away.

Just then, Bonnie, fresh from HR, stepped into the workshop. She immediately drew attention. Her looks and confidence made people turn. She’d worked in factories before, so she fit right in.

And then she saw someone across the room. Her heart skipped, just once, but she felt it.