After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 291

Before Catherine could say a word, Lawrence raised an eyebrow. “Catherine and I aren’t thinking about kids right now. Maybe in a couple of years.”

He glanced at Shirley, his eyes cold enough to shut down the conversation. Lawrence wasn’t the man who used to pretend he was struggling. Now, even a look from him carried a weight that was impossible to ignore.

Waldo’s expression hardened for a second. He forced a smile and turned to Nestor. “Dad, The James Group has a promising project coming up. I’m thinking about working with your company. Are you interested in discussing it?”

Nestor was caught off guard, though he had half expected Waldo and Lawrence to try and win his favor. He smiled. “Is that so? If the proposal is strong, we can take a look at it. We’ll see if my factories can handle it.”

Waldo’s smile was faint. “Sounds good. I’ll stop by your office for some tea one of these days.”

He was clearly trying to make things awkward for Nestor, just to see how his future father-in-law would react.

Catherine frowned. The Blair Group was already a subsidiary of Nexus Dynamics, so Waldo was just trying to make things difficult for her father.

“Waldo, have some tea,” Nestor said, topping off Waldo’s cup. “You and Shirley are getting engaged tomorrow. Let me congratulate you both in advance.”

Waldo used the moment to look at Catherine. She met his eyes and saw a flash of resentment, but she didn’t give him any reaction. Calmly, she peeled a grape and handed it to Lawrence.

Waldo’s gaze darkened. Any feelings Catherine might have had for him were clearly gone.

***

Before dinner, Catherine stepped into the garden to take a work call. She was about to head back inside when she realized Shirley was right behind her.

Shirley’s eyes glinted with challenge. “I bet you never thought I’d be the one marrying Waldo.”

Catherine pulled her arm free. “Only you know if you’re really happy.”

She walked away, completely unbothered. Shirley bit her lip, her eyes flashing with jealousy and anger. Ever since she found out she wasn’t really Nestor’s daughter, her need to prove herself to the Blair family had only grown stronger.

Back in the living room, Nestor was calling everyone to the table. Catherine took her seat next to Lawrence. Nestor tried to keep the conversation light, talking about international news instead of work. Shirley came back a moment later.

Alice was busy setting the table, making sure Waldo’s favorite dishes were right in front of him. Her affection for Waldo was obvious.

“Let’s eat. This is a good day,” Nestor said, reaching for a bottle of wine.

“Dad,” Catherine said gently, “just have tea tonight. No drinking.”