After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 233

Shirley stepped out to the front gate and waved at Bonnie. “Don’t just stand there. Come on in.”

Bonnie didn’t bother with small talk. She was here for one thing: her pay. Once she got her money, she’d be out of here.

Just then, a black SUV pulled up in front of the Blair family’s house. Catherine climbed out and lingered by the passenger seat, looking at Lawrence. “Drive safe, okay? Text me when you get to your apartment.”

“I will. Get some rest,” Lawrence said gently.

Catherine made her way to the gate and was about to slip in through the side entrance when she heard voices on the other side. It sounded like Shirley was laying down the law with someone.

“You’d better take the money and keep your mouth shut.”

“Relax, Shirley. As long as I get paid, I won’t show up in front of you again.” The other voice was a woman’s, and something about it made Catherine pause. That pitchy, slightly grating tone felt familiar, but she couldn’t place it at first.

“Honestly, it’s a shame. I wanted to finish the job. A guy like Lawrence? I mean, what a waste not to sleep with him. None of my clients have ever looked that good or been built like that,” Bonnie sighed, sounding almost wistful. “But he’s just too straight-laced. I tried everything, but he wouldn’t take the bait.”

Catherine’s eyes widened as she finally recognized the voice. Wasn’t that the same assistant she’d fired earlier today? What was she doing here, and why was she talking with Shirley?

Could Shirley have actually paid her to go after Lawrence?

At that moment, the side gate swung open and Bonnie strolled out, looking pretty pleased with herself. The second she spotted Catherine by the gate, her face went ashen and she froze, panic flashing across her features.

“Catherine, wait. This isn’t on me! I was just paid to do a job, and I swear I never slept with your husband,” Bonnie blurted, her voice trembling as she tried to clear her name.

Shirley gave a little smirk. “Why are you so upset, Catherine? I did this for you. I was just testing Lawrence’s loyalty.”

Catherine almost laughed in disbelief. “You think my husband needs you to test his loyalty? You are unbelievable.”

Shirley’s cheeks went red. “Don’t feel too proud of yourself, Catherine. The only reason Lawrence doesn’t cheat is because he knows how much he’d lose. That doesn’t mean he’s truly faithful.”

Catherine let out a cold laugh. “Shirley, I’ll remember this. One day, you’ll pay for what you’ve done.”

With that, Catherine turned and walked inside.

Behind her, Shirley scoffed quietly, completely unfazed. “Pay? Let’s see what you can do.”