After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 236

“No, Catherine, you’ve got it all wrong. I didn’t have a choice.” Waldo’s voice trembled with desperation. “Life without you is driving me insane. I know what I did wasn’t right, but you have to understand, I only did it because I love you. I never realized how much… I love you so much it hurts.”

On the other end, Waldo’s words sounded a little unhinged, like he was barely holding it together.

Catherine’s reply was ice cold. She was done with this conversation. “Waldo, I want you out of my life. If you call me again, I’ll report you for harassment.”

“Catherine, do you really have to be this heartless?” His voice cracked with resentment and frustration. “Lawrence can’t make you happy. Only I can…”

But Catherine had already hung up. Without hesitating, she blocked his number again.

Back in his villa, Waldo let out a guttural growl and swept a wine glass off the table. It crashed to the floor with a sharp, splintering sound.

“Why?” he muttered, staring at the mess. “Why won’t you give me a chance? Why did you have to fall for some nobody? Why won’t you even look at me? Catherine… you’re mine.”

His chest heaved, eyes wild and unfocused. He pressed his hand to his forehead, breathing hard. “I’m not giving up. Life is long. One way or another, I’ll have you.”

He opened his eyes, burning with obsessive determination. Without a second thought, he grabbed his phone and hit record.

Their entire conversation had been saved.

Waldo’s expression darkened. He got up and went to his study, opened a program on his computer, and started editing the audio. His movements were sharp, focused. In no time, he had created a new recording.

He pressed play. Catherine’s voice was soft, almost lazy. “It’s late. Did you need something?”

“Just… give me some time.” Catherine’s voice wavered, ending the recording on a note of uncertainty.

The whole thing sounded real, like Catherine was torn between her old feelings for Waldo and her sudden marriage to Lawrence. Like maybe, just maybe, she wanted to come back.

Waldo listened to the fake conversation over and over. He closed his eyes, letting Catherine’s voice wash over him, pretending this was the answer he’d dreamed of. Anything to drown out the way she’d actually spoken to him, cold and cutting.

At last, Waldo shut his laptop, picked up his phone, and found Lawrence’s private number. He sent the edited audio file, adding a short message. “Lawrence, walk away from Catherine and I’ll wire you one hundred million.”

It was a lot of money, but if it meant getting Catherine back, Waldo was willing to pay any price.