After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 311

About half an hour later, Alice stepped out of the hospital room looking tired. She glanced at Catherine. “Catherine, can you stay with your dad tonight? I’ll come back first thing in the morning and take over.”

It was already eleven. Even if Alice hadn’t said anything, there was no way Catherine would have left her father alone.

“You should go home. I’ll take care of Dad,” Catherine said quietly.

Alice seemed relieved to hear it. She nodded. “Alright. Thank you. I’ll leave him in your care.”

She picked up her bag and headed out. Shirley was waiting by the elevators.

“Mom, are we really just leaving? What if Dad wakes up—”

“The doctor said he won’t wake up for a while. It’s fine. Let’s go home and get some rest.”

Shirley let out a breath she hadn’t realized she was holding. Ever since she found out the truth about her birth, Nestor didn’t feel like her father anymore. He was just the man who raised her.

Back in the hospital room, Catherine sat at her father’s bedside. Her heart ached as she watched his pale face and the machines beeping quietly around him.

Lawrence stood nearby, giving her space but staying close. He took off his jacket and draped it over her shoulders, settling in to keep watch with her.

***

The next morning, Nestor’s eyelids fluttered. He opened his eyes slowly.

“Dad, you’re awake.” Catherine grabbed his hand, her voice trembling with relief.

Nestor looked at her, then glanced at Lawrence standing beside her. He gave a weak nod, his eyes filled with something like trust.

Lawrence nodded back, silent but steady.

A little while later, Neely came by to check on Nestor. She turned to Catherine. “Your dad’s stable for now, but he needs complete rest. Try to let him sleep as much as possible and keep conversation to a minimum.”

“Good. Go ahead with that part,” Lawrence replied, his voice low.

Back in the hospital, Neely came in to check on Nestor again. Catherine stepped out, hoping to find Lawrence, but she ran straight into Shirley.

Their eyes locked. Catherine’s hands curled into fists at her sides. Shirley’s confidence faltered for a second, but she quickly crossed her arms and tried to act unfazed. “Catherine, this is a hospital. Dad just had surgery. Are you really planning to start a fight here?”

Catherine wanted nothing more than to slap her, but she held back. Her father didn’t need to worry about their issues right now.

“We’ll deal with this eventually,” Catherine said, her jaw tight.

Shirley lifted her hand, flashing the diamond ring on her finger. She raised her eyebrows, looking smug. “You think I’m on my own now? I have someone backing me. If you lay a finger on me, my husband won’t let it slide.”

“Are you sure you can really count on him?” Catherine shot back.

Shirley’s face twitched, but she forced herself to look icy. “You don’t know what Resonance AI is truly capable of. Just wait. With me and Resonance AI, it’s only a matter of time before The James Group leaves Nexus Dynamics in the dust.”