After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 293

Waldo and Shirley headed home not long after. In the car, Shirley absentmindedly stroked her stomach. She wished, more than anything, that she was already pregnant. Deep down, she knew it was her work with Resonance AI that Waldo really cared about. A child would be the only real way to keep him by her side.

“Waldo, we’re getting engaged tomorrow. I can’t believe it. I’m so happy,” she said, looping her arm through his with a bright, hopeful smile.

Waldo only glanced at her, his expression unreadable. He turned to stare out the window, gently slipping his arm away. “I have some things to take care of later. I’ll have the driver drop you off first.”

Shirley’s smile faded. She tried to sound a little playful, hoping it’d change his mind. “Come on, Waldo, it’s the night before our engagement. Can’t we just spend it together?”

Waldo didn’t answer her. Instead, he spoke to the driver. “Stop up ahead. Take Shirley home.”

“Yes, sir,” the driver replied right away.

“Waldo...” Shirley bit down on her red lip, hoping he’d stay, hoping for anything.

But he was already out of the car, shutting the door behind him. Without a word, he climbed into the bodyguard’s car following behind.

Shirley squeezed her eyes shut, her heart aching. Even with Catherine marrying Lawrence, Waldo still couldn’t let her go. What was she missing? Why couldn’t she take Catherine’s place in his heart?

A flash of bitterness crossed her face. Catherine really had it all now. Fate had thrown every good thing her way. Lawrence, a father’s love, that insane talent for tech—Catherine got every last bit of it.

Shirley’s hands curled into fists. Fine. Tomorrow, at her own engagement party, she’d make sure Catherine was humiliated.

Shirley’s smile faltered. She quickly pulled herself together. “Amy, I mean it. I’d love for you to join The James Group as our Chief Technology Advisor. Whatever salary and benefits you want, just say the word. I promise, as the future Mrs. James, you won’t be disappointed.”

Amy stirred her coffee, a polite smile on her face. “Shirley, I appreciate the offer, but I’m just here for a tech exchange. I’m not planning to stick around long term.”

Shirley was disappointed, but she wasn’t about to give up. She’d already arranged for someone to look into Amy’s background. If there was any weakness she could use, she would find it.

“Amy, do you know Nancy from our university?” Shirley asked, testing the waters.

Amy smiled, a spark of recognition in her eyes. “Of course. She was the genius of our class.”