After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 232

"Oh, no, really, that's okay. Thanks for offering, Nicol." Nettie waved her hands, not wanting to trouble someone like him.

Catherine shot Nettie a quick wink. "Seriously, it's not safe to grab a cab at night. Nettie, don't be so polite. Just let Nicol give you a ride."

"Come on," Nicol said, jingling his car keys. He nodded toward the parking lot. "My car's over there."

There was something in his voice that made it clear he wasn't taking no for an answer. Nettie gave in, though she sent Catherine a look full of silent complaints.

Catherine knew perfectly well that Nettie didn't want a ride from Nicol. She was just matchmaking on purpose.

Catherine watched as Nicol and Nettie got in the car. Then she slipped her arm through Lawrence's. "Let's go, honey."

Lawrence led her to his car, planning to drive her back to The Blair Estate.

Back at The Blair Estate, Shirley answered a call from Bonnie. She was shocked to hear that Bonnie had been fired.

"What? I was the one who got you the job. Who would dare fire you?" Shirley couldn't believe it. She'd already pulled some strings.

On the other end, Bonnie sounded like she was on the verge of tears. "It was this woman named Catherine. She said she's Lawrence's wife. She slapped me and humiliated me. Shirley, I feel so wronged."

Shirley's eyes widened. Catherine fired her?

"What exactly have you been doing? Didn't you say you'd get it done in a week? It's been ten days, and you still haven't got him hooked?" Shirley snapped, clearly irritated. After failing her assignment, Bonnie still had the nerve to complain?

"Shirley, I tried everything. Lawrence never even gave me a chance to get close. I couldn't do anything," Bonnie said, her voice cracking even more. She glanced down at the scabs on her knees.

"Whatever." Shirley hung up and tossed her phone aside.

She thought Bonnie was bluffing. What Shirley didn't know, though, was that Bonnie was already standing outside the Blair family gate. Right after the call, she dialed Shirley's number again.

Shirley picked up, her voice cold. "What do you want now?"

"I'm at your gate. If you want to talk, come outside." This time, Bonnie hung up first.

Shirley yanked open the curtains and glanced outside. Under the streetlight, Bonnie was waving at her.

Shirley bit her lip. With Bonnie showing up at her door, she knew she'd have to pay up just to get her to leave.