After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 273

The event organizer wrapped up his opening remarks and stepped off the stage. The host took the mic, threw out a few jokes to lighten the mood, then raised his voice, brimming with excitement. “Up next, let’s give the warmest welcome to the founder, chairman, and CEO of Nexus Dynamics...”

He paused, clearly worried he might mess up the name. Digging out a crumpled list from his pocket, he double-checked, then finally announced, loud and clear, “Lawrence! Please welcome Lawrence to the stage for his keynote!”

The name hit the crowd like a bolt of lightning. For a second, the whole room seemed to stop breathing.

Catherine thought she must have heard wrong. She shot Lawrence a questioning look, but he just smiled, gently cradled the back of her head, and pressed a kiss into her hair. His voice was low and rough. “Babe, I’ll explain everything when I’m back.”

Then he stood, calm and collected, and walked toward the stage. Every pair of eyes followed him, a mix of shock and disbelief rippling across the crowd.

Waldo felt like his brain had short-circuited. His head snapped up, eyes wide as Lawrence stepped into the spotlight. Under those bright lights, all the color drained from Waldo’s face. His grip on the armrest was so tight his hands shook. Lawrence? The CEO of Nexus Dynamics was Lawrence? That couldn’t be right. Wasn’t he just a regular consultant?

The realization hit him like a punch to the gut. Every snide comment, every smug look, every attempt to put Lawrence in his place—they all flashed through his mind, now looking utterly ridiculous. The man he had tried so hard to size up, to control, to outmaneuver, was the very person he’d underestimated most.

Shirley looked like she’d been struck by a truck. The smirk faded from her face, replaced by shock and fear. Her mouth hung open, but no words came out. A shiver ran straight through her.

Lawrence? He was the boss of Nexus Dynamics?

At last, the mysterious identity of the founder—the man who’d never shown his face in public—was out in the open.

Lawrence adjusted the mic. His voice was smooth and strong, ringing out through the hall. “Good morning, everyone. I’m Lawrence, CEO of Nexus Dynamics.”

That simple opening was all it took to make his identity official. The whole audience buzzed with whispers and gasps.

Waldo’s grip on the armrest turned his knuckles white. He stared at Lawrence, his face drained of color, every breath burning in his chest, regret and fury twisting like a knife inside him.