After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 22

Night settled quietly over the house. Catherine, bored and restless, picked up a book to help pass the time. It only took a few pages for her eyelids to grow heavy. She yawned, rubbed her nose, and before she knew it, sleep had pulled her under.

Upstairs, Lawrence was finishing up work. When he finally closed his laptop, he noticed how still everything had become. He stood up and headed downstairs, only to find Catherine curled up on the sofa, bathed in the soft golden light of the wall lamp.

She was fast asleep, a book hugged to her chest, her breathing slow and steady.

Lawrence went back upstairs for a light blanket. He returned, draped it gently over her, and carefully slid the book from her arms. Just then, the low, unmistakable growl of a sports car engine echoed from outside, getting closer.

Lawrence's gentle expression shifted in a flash. His eyes turned sharp and focused, and the air around him grew cold.

He already guessed who it might be. After setting the book aside, he glanced at Catherine one more time, then walked toward the front door.

Outside, at the tall iron gates, a luxury sports car screeched to a stop, parking with perfect precision. The door opened and Waldo stepped out, dressed head to toe in a tailored suit.

A sleek black Maybach pulled up alongside. Nestor climbed out, his face tight with worry and anger.

Waldo looked up at the high walls and the closed gate, surprise flickering across his face for a split second before it was replaced by a mocking smile.

“Waldo, are you sure this is the place?” Nestor asked, curiosity lacing his voice.

“Nestor, this is the address my assistant gave me. I’m sure.” Waldo strode up to the gate, ready to knock.

Lawrence’s expression softened, just a little. “Nestor, Catherine and I are legally married. I promise, we’ll come visit the Blair family soon.”

Nestor snorted, clearly unimpressed. “Don’t try to play games with me.”

Waldo let out a cold laugh, his eyes full of disdain. “You think you’re good enough for Catherine? Please. This is nothing but manipulation. It’s basically a crime.”

Nestor hesitated, then nodded, glaring at Lawrence. “I don’t care how you tricked my daughter. I’ll never agree to this marriage. Give Catherine back to me.”

Any trace of politeness fell away from Lawrence’s face. His voice went cold. “Nestor, Catherine has every right to decide who she wants to marry.”