After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 192

“Think of it as a little bonus for Shirley. Her Resonance AI has made my company a fortune. Three million is nothing,” Waldo said, totally unbothered, as if money was the least interesting thing in his world.

The way he said it, you could almost feel the weight of his wealth in the room. He wasn’t even trying to hide how superior he felt.

And everyone knew exactly who he was trying to impress.

Waldo wanted Lawrence to see what real power looked like, to understand just how far apart their worlds were.

Shirley glanced at Catherine with a smug little smile, like she was saying, See? Lawrence can’t compare to Waldo.

Alice’s eyes softened as she looked at Waldo. This was the kind of man she wanted for a son-in-law—rich, well-connected, and someone who always had your back.

Lawrence, though? All he had were some tech skills. No money, no family name behind him. Still, Catherine acted like he was the best thing in the world.

Nestor frowned. Waldo’s move solved Shirley’s problem, sure, but it also felt like a slap in Lawrence’s face.

Catherine let out a short laugh. “If Waldo wants to throw his money away, who am I to stop him?” She grabbed her phone. “I’ll take you up on that. Go ahead, send the money.”

Waldo looked a little annoyed, but he still pulled out his phone and transferred the money.

Once it was done, he put his phone away and looked straight at Lawrence, waiting to catch even a flicker of embarrassment or jealousy.

But Lawrence just picked up his teacup and took a slow sip, like nothing that had happened mattered to him at all. Three million dollars might as well have been three bucks.

Waldo felt something twist in his chest. What bothered him most was that Lawrence never seemed to care about him—not one bit.

It was like his wealth and status meant absolutely nothing to Lawrence.

Shirley clenched her fists at her sides. She’d thought she could use Waldo to put Lawrence in his place, but somehow Catherine had walked away with all the glory.

And now, she’d just handed over three million dollars that would only make Catherine and Lawrence’s lives better.

So unfair.

Nestor looked tired as he called everyone back to the table. Lawrence and Catherine sat down. Alice and Shirley stayed quiet, both of them looking upset.

“Here, Lawrence, try some of the fish. It’s really tender,” Nestor said, offering him a piece.

Shirley stared at the big grouper on the table, the one she’d bought just for Waldo. She couldn’t help herself. “Dad, this was Waldo’s favorite. He didn’t even get a taste before he left. What a waste.”

Nestor’s expression hardened. “Shirley, the food in this house is for family. Eat your dinner.”