After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 225

Alice grabbed the cup and hurried to the kitchen to wash it. Her heart was pounding, her palms slick with sweat, but this time, there was no doubt in her mind.

If Lawrence took over The Blair Group, what would be left for her and Shirley? Even Nestor was singing Lawrence’s praises. Once Lawrence had real power in his hands, would he ever let it go?

She and Shirley were only women. How could they possibly win against Lawrence and Catherine? She used to think Catherine had married a nobody, that Lawrence was nothing special. But in less than three months, Catherine had managed to put him in charge of The Blair Group. She never saw that coming. Thankfully, she had a plan of her own now.

Peeking through the kitchen doorway, Alice watched Nestor sprawled on the sofa, her eyes flashing with determination.

Catherine came downstairs for a glass of water. When she spotted her dad, she smiled and called out, “Dad.”

Nestor waved her over. “Come here. Let’s talk for a bit.”

She sat across from him, cradling her glass. Only then did she notice how much grayer his hair had become. He really was getting older.

“Catherine, see if you can set up a meeting with your CEO. I’d really like to have him over for dinner, whenever he’s free,” Nestor said. He was old-school, the type who always wanted to repay a favor.

Catherine hesitated, then tried to explain. “Dad, our CEO is really busy, and I’ve heard he’s not a fan of these kinds of get-togethers.”

Nestor gave her a serious look. “Catherine, relationships matter in business. He’s helped us so much. I should thank him in person. Just try to ask. If he really can’t make it, that’s fine, but we have to do our part.”

Catherine let out a small sigh and nodded. “Alright, I’ll ask and see if there’s a good time.”

Nestor started asking about her work, and Catherine told him honestly how well Nexus Dynamics treated her. The more he heard, the happier he looked.

Back in the kitchen, Alice watched them, her fists clenched so tight her knuckles turned white. When she finally came out, she set down a plate of fresh fruit. “Catherine, have some fruit.”

Up in her room, Catherine called Lawrence. She told him about her father insisting on meeting the boss of Nexus Dynamics.

Lawrence laughed on the other end. “Try to talk your dad out of it for now. We’ll find a better time later.”

“Yeah, he’s just traditional. He feels like he owes Nexus Dynamics and has to show his thanks,” Catherine said, smiling.

They chatted about work for a few more minutes. Then Lawrence said, “Get some rest. Don’t stay up too late.”

Catherine felt her heart skip a beat. Teasing, she said, “What if I can’t sleep because I’m thinking about you? Does that count as staying up?”

His low, warm laugh came through the phone, sending little sparks through her. “Be good. Listen to me.”