After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 188

“Okay, let’s go home for dinner,” Catherine said, her voice turning shy. “I’ve really missed you.”

“I missed you too,” Lawrence replied, his laugh low and warm.

She glanced at him, her nerves fluttering. “Is my dad happy with your work?”

Lawrence chuckled. “I think so.”

That was all Catherine needed to hear. As long as her dad, Nestor, spent more time with Lawrence, she was sure he’d realize just how great he was.

***

At five o’clock, in the private CEO elevator in the underground garage of Nexus Dynamics, Lawrence checked his watch with one hand in his pocket. He looked over at Magee, who stood next to him. “I’ve only got thirty minutes.”

Magee’s face was tense. He spoke quickly. “Lawrence, we just got an urgent message from the North American branch. LIGHTHOUSE’s core tech came under a coordinated hacker attack at three this afternoon. They’re coming after us hard, our defenses are under a lot of pressure. The source points to Shadow. Looks like they’re still obsessed with our core tech.”

There was a flicker of coldness in Lawrence’s eyes. “How bad is it?”

“We’ve already kicked off the highest-level emergency procedures. Defense systems are up and running, nothing’s been breached yet,” Magee reported, keeping his cool.

“Start the second sequence of Zero System.” Lawrence strode into an office on the top floor. His voice was steady. “Cut every non-essential external data channel. Switch to the backup system. Set up a decoy to draw their attack. Enter Zero System.”

Magee’s tension faded, replaced by a spark of excitement.

“Have Nicol run point. Trace their attack back to the source. This time, we hit them instead.”

“Got it,” Magee answered immediately.

Lawrence pulled out his phone and dialed an international number. When the call connected, he spoke quietly. “It’s your turn.”

A voice answered with a cocky laugh. “Got it, Lawrence.”

Lawrence couldn’t help but smile. “Still as reckless as ever.”

“I heard you got married. Next time I’m back, introduce me to your wife.”

“Count on it.”

But even now, the person who built Zero System was her role model, whether they were a man or a woman. Their talent and mystery made her admire them so much.

“Looks like Nexus Dynamics is in for a tough fight,” Catherine said. “I just hope Zero System can handle it.”

“Don’t worry, Catherine. Zero System is undefeated. The only thing that could challenge it is your Resonance AI,” Naomi teased.

Catherine laughed. “Please, I’d never attack my own idol. If he’s working at Nexus Dynamics, I’ll meet him eventually.”

She figured she would need to meet the CEO to find out who Zero really was. The CEO was the only one who knew.

Just then, her phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Lawrence. I’m waiting for you at the lobby entrance.

Catherine closed her laptop and smiled at her team. “My husband’s here to pick me up. You two finish up and go home when you’re done.”

Naomi grinned. “We know, Catherine. Go on, have fun with your handsome husband.”

Catherine’s cheeks grew warm. Just thinking about Lawrence sent a shiver of excitement through her. She grabbed her bag and practically skipped to the elevator.