After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 25

But when she said it, somehow it made his heart go all soft.

He took her hand, the one she’d been straightening on her chest, and wrapped it in his own warm grasp. His voice dropped low as he called her name. “Catherine.”

He used her full name, eyes locked right on hers.

“Yeah?” Catherine blinked up at him, not sure what he was about to say, but clearly curious.

He spoke again, his voice a little rough but gentle. “You don’t have to handle everything by yourself. I’ll take care of the wedding gift.”

Catherine stared at him, totally caught off guard. Seeing the calm confidence in his eyes made her throat tighten. She realized, right then, that she’d really lucked out.

This man was even more dependable than she’d ever expected.

But there was no way she could let him borrow money or carry that kind of debt for her. One hundred million was just too much, even for him.

“No, this is my mess to fix. I have to take care of it myself,” Catherine said, her eyes shining with determination.

Lawrence looked surprised for a second. Staring at the woman in front of him, so stubborn and intent on protecting him, he couldn’t help but smile.

Catherine held onto his hand, her voice steady. “Trust me, I really can get one hundred million together.”

Lawrence studied her for a moment, then nodded. “Alright.”

If she couldn’t pull it off, he’d back her up.

But Catherine could definitely handle it. She owned Resonance AI, worth billions. Lawrence was just an engineer. Even if he was the best, there was no way he could come up with that kind of money.

Besides, she was the one who’d promised Nestor. This was her responsibility.

“Goodnight.” Catherine’s cheeks warmed. Even though they were married by law, they’d only known each other two days. Lawrence’s offer to sleep in separate rooms was his way of being thoughtful and respectful.

She headed upstairs to the master bedroom. Instead of going straight to sleep, she pulled out her laptop and started digging for answers.

Resonance AI was still in her hands, so what exactly had made its way into The James Group’s possession?

Looked like she’d only get the truth at The James Group’s press conference.

...

At the Blair family home, Shirley had already been discharged and was resting back at the house. In the living room, Alice was doing her best to calm a fuming Nestor.

“Nestor, don’t worry. Catherine isn’t a little girl anymore. She knows what she’s doing.”