After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 205

Nestor had been waiting on edge for a reply from Catherine. When her message finally popped up, he could barely contain his excitement. He’d figured that just landing a meeting, even a shot at negotiations, would be a big win. He never expected the boss of Nexus Dynamics to move so fast, immediately setting him up to connect with Magee.

That was the kind of efficiency you’d expect from a giant like Nexus Dynamics.

He realized he’d better get his materials together and be ready for this merger.

***

In the vice president’s office, Lawrence stood by the window, finishing up a call. His desk phone started ringing. He walked over, picked up the receiver, and answered, “Hello. Who is this?”

A proud, sharp voice came through. “Lawrence, right? This is Waldo. I’d like to talk.”

Lawrence’s eyes narrowed a little. “Waldo. What do you want?”

Waldo let out a cold laugh. “Let me get right to it. You’ve probably heard I’m planning to take over The Blair Group. If you quit now, I’ll let the company off the hook.”

At The James Group’s CEO office, Waldo drummed his fingers on the desk, looking every bit the man in charge. He’d hoped things with the Blair family wouldn’t get too ugly, so he figured he’d give Lawrence a chance. If Lawrence left The Blair Group, Waldo would call off the takeover.

The response from the other end was just as cold. “And why would you think you have the right to tell me to leave The Blair Group?”

Waldo’s fingers paused, as if he’d just heard the punchline to some bad joke. His voice dripped with sarcasm. “Why? Lawrence, have you forgotten who you are? You climbed to your spot by clinging to a woman, living off her family’s business. Who do you think you are to question me?”

That didn’t seem enough to get his anger out. His tone turned even nastier. “I can decide if The Blair Group lives or dies. With a single move, I can make sure you’re blacklisted from the whole tech world. Did you really think I’d let it slide that you stole my fiancée? You’re nothing but a shameless thief.”

Waldo froze for a second. Lawrence sounded so confident, he almost believed it. If he hadn’t already dug up everything there was to know about Lawrence, he might have been fooled.

“Try?” Waldo laughed, his irritation turning into something darker. “Lawrence, do you think I’m joking with you? When I say something, I do it.”

But as soon as he finished, that same calm voice interrupted. “The fate of The Blair Group isn’t up to you. Don’t flatter yourself.”

The call ended.

Waldo stared at the phone, stunned by the dial tone. He couldn’t believe Lawrence had dared to talk back to him.