After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 310

Catherine heard footsteps behind her and turned around. Lawrence was already by her side, his hand finding hers, steady and warm, giving her the comfort she didn’t know she needed.

Shirley could feel a sharp stare burning into her back. She didn’t have to look to know it was Lawrence.

Catherine’s mind was somewhere else. All she could think about was her father. Any issues she had with Shirley could wait. She didn’t want to argue with anyone while her dad was lying there, so sick.

More footsteps echoed in the hallway. Waldo arrived, looking rushed. He stepped into the room, his eyes pausing for a second on Catherine and Lawrence, their fingers tightly intertwined. Then he went straight to Shirley. “How’s Dad doing?” he asked, voice strained.

“He just got out of surgery. He’s still unconscious,” Shirley told him softly.

Neely, the doctor, came over then. “The patient needs to rest,” she said. “Everyone, please wait outside in the hallway.”

Alice stepped forward, her voice almost pleading. “Neely, let me stay. I’m his wife. If he needs anything, I’ll be right here.”

Neely nodded. “Alright, you can stay. The rest of you, please wait outside.”

Lawrence wrapped an arm around Catherine and guided her out. Shirley linked arms with Waldo, and the two of them followed, leaving Alice alone in the hospital room.

Neely started checking the medical equipment. Alice used the moment to ask quietly, “Neely, how is my husband, really? Is he in danger?”

“For now, his condition is stable, but there’s still risk. His heart was seriously damaged,” Neely answered, not sugarcoating anything.

“So, you mean… he could…” Alice’s voice trailed off as she searched Neely’s face.

Neely nodded. “Yes. If he hadn’t been at the hospital when it happened, even a slight delay could have been fatal.”

Alice fell silent, frustration bubbling up inside her. Why did Nestor have to get sick right here at the hospital? If it had happened at the office or at home, a little delay might have been all it took for her plan to work out.

Lawrence noticed. His eyes flashed cold for a moment, sending Waldo a silent warning. The look made something dark shift in Waldo’s expression—resentment, maybe even a hint of hate.

A minute later, Waldo’s phone rang. After a brief conversation, he turned to Shirley. “I have something important to take care of. If Dad wakes up, call me right away and I’ll come back.”

Shirley nodded. She didn’t need him here anyway. She reached up to smooth his collar, her voice gentle. “Go on. I’ll let you know.”

Waldo left. Shirley pretended to make a call and walked off toward the waiting room.

Catherine stood by the door of her father’s hospital room, her eyes full of worry and fear.

Lawrence reached out, gently running his hand through her hair, and pulled her into his arms, holding her close as if he could shield her from the world.