After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 190

Alice jumped in, her voice anxious as she tried to smooth things over. “Catherine, come on. Shirley’s your sister. Sisters joke around and tease each other all the time. You can’t take every little thing to heart. If people heard about this, it wouldn’t sound good. What matters most is that we keep the peace in our family.”

Catherine let out a cold laugh. Back when they made the bet, this mother and daughter hadn’t seen it as a joke at all. They were practically hoping she’d lose, just so they could watch her get slapped. Now that she’d come out on top, suddenly they wanted to pretend it was all just for fun? People don’t get that lucky.

“What joke?” Nestor asked, looking lost.

Across the table, Waldo’s gaze settled on Catherine. He seemed to be piecing things together, but what really caught his attention was Lawrence, sitting just opposite. That stung more than anything else.

Catherine calmly pulled out her phone. She hadn’t just recorded audio, she had a whole video of the bet. She tapped it open and turned the screen toward Nestor.

Shirley’s voice rang out, confident and clear in the video. “Three days from now, whoever’s wearing your grandmother’s heirloom wins. The loser has to take three slaps from the winner.”

“Fine, let’s bet. But besides the slaps, let’s make it a million-dollar wager.” That was Catherine’s voice, steady and sure.

Shirley’s smile was smug on the screen. “Deal. One million. If anyone tries to back out, they’re a dog.”

Shirley’s face went pale in real life. She shot to her feet, furious. “Catherine, you actually recorded video? We only agreed on audio!”

Catherine knew Shirley too well. Only a video would make it impossible for her to twist the truth.

“Nestor, it really was just a joke. Catherine’s making it a big deal for nothing,” Alice said, trying to defend Shirley.

Nestor frowned, his brows pinched together. He was no stranger to the tension between his daughters, but right now, he had no idea how to handle it.

Shirley, seeing her dad hesitate, turned to Waldo with pleading eyes. Waldo’s gaze drifted to Catherine’s wrist, where she wore the heirloom bracelet. The support from Nexus Dynamics’ boss was real, and everyone could see it.

“He’s…” Shirley stammered, her face going from white to red, completely caught off guard.

Waldo’s face darkened. “Catherine, you don’t need to be so harsh. If I’m not welcome—”

“You’re right. You’re not,” Catherine said, her eyes unwavering.

Nestor coughed again, struggling to keep things civil. “Catherine, watch your tone. Waldo is a guest. Be respectful.”

Waldo straightened his suit, keeping his composure. “Nestor, I apologize. I shouldn’t have gotten involved in your family affairs.”

Inside, Catherine just scoffed. If Shirley thought she was getting out of this bet, she was dreaming.