After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 222

She didn’t dare let herself think about plotting or scheming.

“Lawrence, I’m heading out,” Bonnie said, turning away fast. The moment the elevator doors closed behind her, she let out a shaky breath, pressing a hand to her chest.

What kind of man had an aura that intense? He was outrageously good-looking and hadn't even raised his voice, but just standing near him made her feel like she was trapped under a storm cloud.

Suddenly, Shirley’s money didn’t seem so easy to earn. Who exactly had she been sent to seduce? Getting close to a man like that felt like trying to break into a fortress.

Back in his room, Lawrence loosened his tie and exhaled. Girls like Bonnie were nothing new to him. He’d met plenty, handled plenty.

His phone buzzed, and when he checked the screen, his expression softened right away.

It was a message from Catherine, asking if he’d arrived safely.

He texted back, I’m here. Get some rest.

Goodnight, husband.

A smile tugged at Lawrence’s lips. Goodnight, wife, he replied.

Catherine lay on her bed, chin propped on her hands, grinning at his message. She started counting the days. Half a month had flown by already. Soon, her father’s test would finally be over.

***

In his villa, Waldo was on a secure video call with his father.

“Waldo, we need to pick up the pace with Resonance AI. BluePeak Ventures is getting interested.”

“I know, Dad. Shirley’s team is working overtime. Once this next upgrade is done, we can start licensing.”

Waldo straightened. “I get it, Dad.”

The call ended, and almost immediately, Waldo’s phone rang again. He answered, “Yeah?”

“Waldo, we’ve tracked Nexus Dynamics’ global CEO, Nicol. He’s in Cabinda.”

“He’s back?” Waldo’s lips curled into a cold smile. “Keep eyes on him.”

He hung up, grabbed a glass of red wine, and stood by the window, staring into the night. His mind wasn’t on business. It was on Catherine, on the way her delicate face always held that impossible stubbornness.

The more he thought about her, the more restless he felt. A hard edge crept into his eyes.

Catherine, I’m not letting you go. Not now. Not ever.