After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 24

Nestor stared in shock, his mouth falling open. He could barely process what he was hearing. “Wait… what did you just say? He has it? How could he possibly have that kind of money?”

Waldo’s face darkened, all his composure gone. He studied Lawrence, as if seeing him for the first time. Was this guy, this ex-soldier who looked so ordinary, really capable of putting a hundred million dollars on the table?

Catherine looked up at Lawrence, who was gazing down at her with steady calm. She slipped her arm through his, silently telling him she had everything under control.

She knew that once ‘Resonance AI’ launched, a hundred million would be nothing. She could easily raise ten billion if she wanted.

Lawrence caught her meaning and a tiny, secret smile flickered in his eyes. He played along, saying nothing.

Nestor stood there, stunned. He’d thought throwing money at the problem would be enough to scare Lawrence away, but the guy hadn’t flinched. Even Catherine was standing by his side.

Waldo snapped out of his daze, instantly recognizing Catherine’s bluff. She was just helping Lawrence save face.

He stared hard at Lawrence and let out a cold laugh. “Nestor, don’t let them fool you. There’s no way he has a hundred million. I bet he’s just trying to trick Catherine, hoping she’ll get pregnant. And then, by the time you find out, it’ll be too late to stop anything. He’s playing you.”

The words sank in, and Nestor’s hands started to shake with anger. How had Catherine become so scheming after getting together with Lawrence? And now she was turning against her own father, helping someone else deceive him? He felt like Lawrence had ruined his daughter.

Nestor’s glare turned deadly as he looked at Lawrence, as if Lawrence had already done something unforgivable.

“You’d better not!” Nestor jabbed a finger at Lawrence, his voice rising. “Lawrence, I’m warning you. If you so much as touch my daughter, I’ll make you regret it.”

Then he wheeled on Catherine, his tone sharp. “Catherine, you’re coming home with me right now. If you don’t, I’ll pretend I never had a daughter like you.”

Catherine’s face went pale. She hadn’t expected Nestor to think so badly of Lawrence just because of one sentence from Waldo, or to threaten to cut her off completely.

Right then, Waldo lunged forward, reaching out to grab Catherine, trying to pull her to his side.

But Lawrence was faster.

He stepped between them, using his broad frame to block Waldo’s hand.

Waldo’s arm hung awkwardly in the air. His face twisted in fury. “Move. Right now.”

He looked ready to swing. Before he could, Catherine broke free from Lawrence and stepped in front of him, standing tall. She spread her arms, fierce as a lioness protecting her cub, and glared at Waldo. “Waldo, just try and touch him. I dare you.”

Waldo froze, stunned. The woman who once adored him was now staring at him with ice in her eyes—all for another man.

For once, the calm and composed Waldo was completely undone. Jealousy, anger, and a sharp sense of betrayal hit him all at once. His eyes glowed red with rage. “Catherine… you’re protecting him?”

“He’s my man. Of course I’m going to protect him. Why would I protect you?” Catherine’s voice was cold, cutting.

Waldo stood there, speechless.

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