After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 212

Shirley stood off to the side, feeling as if her heart had just taken a hit. Did Waldo really have to lower himself like this?

“Catherine, did you hear that? Waldo already said his piece. For Dad’s company, can’t you just say something?” Shirley fought down her jealousy and tried to push Catherine a little more.

Catherine almost laughed. She slipped her arm free from Lawrence’s and stepped forward. “Waldo, I always thought you kept up with the news. Guess not. First, my dad’s company is safe. We don’t need you to ‘let it go.’ Second, the Blair family doesn’t need your charity. As for your bullying and lack of gratitude, we’re gracious enough to let it slide. Now, please step aside.”

Her words landed sharp and clear, each one hitting Waldo like a slap to the face.

Lawrence moved up next to her, quietly making it clear he had her back.

Waldo’s fists tightened. His face went pale, then red, then settled on a cold, controlled look. His voice sounded rough and a little too intense. “Catherine, I know you’re still mad at me. That’s okay. Life is long. I can wait. One day, you’ll realize you picked the wrong guy.”

He turned on his heel and headed for the restaurant. Shirley bit her lip, then hurried after him. “Waldo, wait up!”

Once those two were finally out of sight, Catherine looped her arm through Lawrence’s again. “I just lost my appetite for foie gras. I want seafood now.”

Lawrence grinned. “Alright, seafood it is. Whatever you want.”

He’d only suggested staying because she’d kept talking about the restaurant’s foie gras and desserts, but now, he was happy to go along with her change of heart.

Meanwhile, Shirley and Waldo sat by the floor-to-ceiling windows. After a while, when Catherine and Lawrence still hadn’t come inside, Shirley leaned her chin on her hand. “I guess they’re not coming. Honestly, that makes sense. Just one meal here probably costs Lawrence a month’s salary.”

Nestor had already found himself a stronger ally.

“Waldo? Waldo? Should we call off the acquisition plan?”

Waldo snapped back to himself, his voice low. “Stop everything. Put all acquisitions on hold.”

He hung up, his chest heaving. He slammed his fist against a pillar nearby.

Why? Why did it feel like nothing was going his way anymore?