After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 267

Catherine slid back into her seat next to Lawrence. A moment later, Shirley returned as well, settling quietly beside her father. She tucked a lock of hair behind her ear, picked up her teacup, and watched Lawrence over the rim, curiosity flickering in her eyes.

Lawrence sat there with a faint smile, listening closely as the two older men chatted about global affairs. His profile was striking, jawline sharp, Adam's apple moving ever so slightly each time he took a sip. Shirley couldn’t help but admit it to herself. Even when he wasn’t saying a word, Lawrence had this magnetic pull. He made simply sitting there look dangerous.

The changes he’d made at The Blair Group were nothing short of dramatic. In just two months, her father’s company had taken on a whole new energy, all thanks to him. His talent was undeniable.

The memory of Catherine’s jabs and taunts in the restroom still burned in Shirley’s mind. Instead of backing down, it only made her want him more. She wanted to win Lawrence over, to claim him the way she used to take away all of Catherine’s favorite toys. Even if she didn’t really want to keep him, she still wanted to make sure Catherine couldn’t have him.

Her gaze must have lingered too long, because Lawrence suddenly turned his head. He glanced at her, cool and distant, like she was just some random stranger. Was there even a trace of irritation in his eyes?

Shirley froze, her teacup halfway to her lips. Had she imagined it?

She thought back to when she’d sent Bonnie to test him out. Bonnie had come back in tears, complaining about how impossible Lawrence was. Maybe she hadn’t been exaggerating.

But that only made Shirley more determined. The tougher the challenge, the more she wanted it—especially since this challenge belonged to Catherine.

She set her teacup down and quickly replaced her expression with a sugary smile.

Just then, Nestor spoke up, steering the conversation to the wedding. “It’s really wonderful having everyone together for a nice meal. I was thinking, since we’re all here, maybe it’s a good time to pick a wedding date for the kids. What do you think?”

Patrick smiled and nodded. “I was hoping you’d bring that up. I’m very fond of Catherine. You’ve done a great job raising her.”

Shirley, sitting nearby, silently praised her mother for her subtle move.

Adelina broke the moment by saying, “That’s why I brought a little gift for Catherine today. Just a small token to celebrate our families meeting.” She reached into her bag and pulled out a rosewood box.

The box was carved with intricate, beautiful patterns and looked expensive.

Alice and Shirley exchanged a look, surprised that the Gates family had brought a gift for Catherine at all.

Alice couldn’t help but wonder what kind of treasure a family like the Gates could even afford. Maybe it was something tacky. Maybe it would just end up making Catherine look bad.