After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 308

She was Waldo’s wife now. On paper, at least. Their wedding was in the works, scheduled for next month. Waldo had promised her something grand, a wedding that would let her walk into the James family with her head held high.

Still, she spent her nights alone. After that one time, Waldo hadn’t touched her again. But the title was hers, and that was what mattered.

Her phone buzzed. She glanced at the screen—Mom. She picked up, trying to sound calm. “Hi, Mom.”

“Shirley, something’s wrong. Your father had a heart attack. He’s in the ER. You need to come, now.”

Shirley’s chest tightened. Her father was in the hospital? Her mom didn’t say much more. Shirley grabbed her coat and hurried out the door. But even as she rushed, her mind wasn’t on Nestor’s health. She caught herself wondering, if he really died, how much of the Blair family fortune would be hers?

He wasn’t her real father. No blood between them. The relationship felt thin, more about what she could get than anything else.

During the ride over, she started to do the math. If Nestor died, was the will written? How would everything get split?

If she could get controlling shares in the Blair Group, she’d be untouchable in the James family. That would be perfect.

Outside the emergency room, the air was thick with tension.

Catherine and Lawrence got there first. The light above the surgery room glowed red. Catherine’s eyes brimmed with tears. Lawrence slid an arm around her shoulders, murmuring, “It’s going to be okay. Let’s just wait for the doctors.”

Alice rushed in, breathless. She spotted them and hurried over. “Catherine, is your dad out yet?”

Catherine shook her head. Five minutes later, Shirley arrived with her assistant. “Mom, is Dad alright?”

Alice dabbed at her eyes. “He’s still inside. We don’t know anything yet.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll keep your father stable. You should all wait here. I’m going back in to check on the anesthesia.” Neely turned and slipped back inside.

Lawrence squeezed Catherine’s hand. “It’ll be alright. Neely’s the best.”

Catherine felt some of the tension leave her body. Neely’s calm made her believe her father really was out of danger for now.

Alice, though, couldn’t shake her nerves. Did she go too far with the pills she’d been giving Nestor lately? Was that why he’d collapsed so suddenly?

How long could he keep hanging on?

Inside the operating room, the nurses and assistants had already left. Nestor’s eyes were open. Neely leaned in and whispered, “They don’t know you’re awake. I covered for you.”