After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 282

Shirley was holding onto Resonance AI like it was the winning ticket in a high-stakes game. Waldo knew that if he wanted a shot against Nexus Dynamics, he had to hold on to Shirley. This marriage, behind all the glitz and glamour, was really just a business deal.

What really got under her skin was how the media wouldn’t let go of her history with Waldo. They had dug up every detail, real or imagined, and spun it into some over-the-top love triangle straight out of a soap opera. It was ridiculous. She wanted to laugh, but mostly she just felt tired. There wasn’t anything she could do about it anyway.

Her phone rang. She sighed and picked up, trying to sound unbothered. “Hello? Who’s this?”

“It’s me.” The voice was low, smooth, and instantly familiar.

Lawrence.

A little smile crept onto Catherine’s face. She couldn’t help teasing, “Lawrence, don’t tell me you’re so bored you’re calling me just to chat?”

“I just saw the news about Waldo and Shirley getting engaged. Thought I’d check in and talk about it.”

“I saw it too,” Catherine replied, sounding calm even though her mind was racing. “Waldo isn’t the type to marry for love. He’s after Resonance AI. He wants to use it against you… it’s all strategy with him.”

Lawrence chuckled, warm and approving. “You’re sharp. You saw right through it.”

Catherine stepped over to the big window, watching the city below. “I’m worried about my dad. I don’t want him to get caught up in all this, stuck between you and Waldo. He’s in a tough spot.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll make sure things don’t get messy,” Lawrence promised, his voice steady.

“Alright, so… are you coming to the engagement party on Saturday?” Catherine asked, trying to sound casual.

“I’ll be there, with you,” Lawrence replied, his tone gentle. “We should show up for your dad. It’s important.”

“Okay. We’ll go together.” Catherine didn’t love the idea, but she’d do anything to keep her dad from losing face.

***

At the Blair Estate, Alice hung up the phone, her hands shaking with excitement. She could hardly get the words out.

“Are you serious? Waldo is really going to marry you? The engagement is this Saturday?”

“Our daughter is marrying the CEO of the James Group?” Garnett could barely believe what he’d just heard.

“Listen to yourself. Don’t act like you’ve never seen a big family before. Shirley is extraordinary,” Alice replied, a smile in her voice.

“Alice, how’s our plan going? Has Nestor had any health problems?”

“He’s been busy at work, so I’m not sure. But I’ve been giving him that drink every day, just like you told me.”

Garnett sounded impatient. “Alice, I miss you. I miss our daughter too. If only I could be at her engagement party. That would be perfect.”

“Don’t even think about showing up,” Alice warned. “What would you say you are? Don’t embarrass Shirley.”

“What do you mean, what am I? I’m Waldo’s real father-in-law. That Nestor is just pretending. I’m the real deal,” Garnett argued, sounding annoyed.

“Alright, just give it another year or two. Stay away on the day of the party.” With that, Alice hung up, ending the conversation.