After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 312

Catherine couldn’t help but laugh. “The true power of Resonance AI? You mean the one you’re holding onto right now?”

Shirley’s face stiffened before she shot back, “Is there another Resonance AI in the world besides mine?” She straightened her back and tried to sound confident. “I built Resonance AI from the ground up. No one knows its potential better than I do. And you, well, you can be jealous all you want, but it won’t change anything. I’m Waldo’s wife now. I have all the resources and connections I could ever need.”

Catherine just gave her a cool look. If Dad hadn’t collapsed so suddenly, The James Group would already be served with a lawsuit from Nexus Dynamics.

Without another word, Catherine turned and walked away.

Shirley watched her go, her knuckles whitening as she clenched her fists. Just wait, Catherine. Once my Resonance AI is ready, even Nexus Dynamics will have to think twice before coming after me.

Lawrence finished his call and spotted Catherine heading his way. He crossed the room in a few long strides, slipped an arm around her waist, and shot a cold glare at Shirley in the distance. “People like her aren’t worth your time.”

Shirley couldn’t hear what he said, but his look alone made her skin crawl. She hurried into the hospital room and closed the door behind her.

Inside, her adoptive father lay sleeping on the bed. She felt nothing. Family meant little to her now. Only her own interests mattered.

She sat down, grabbed her phone, and started scrolling. Nestor heard the sound and opened his eyes, glancing at Shirley as she sat by his bed.

A wave of disappointment hit him. He thought she might say something caring, but she’d been there several minutes already, completely absorbed in her phone, not sparing him a single word.

Just then, the door opened and Lawrence walked in with Catherine. Shirley grabbed her bag and stood up. “I have to go. My mom will be here soon to take care of Dad.”

Catherine didn’t say anything, and Shirley only glanced at the bed before speaking up, her voice sweet but empty. “Dad, I’m leaving now. Take care and get some rest.”

After Shirley left, Catherine sat down beside the bed. She reached out and touched the back of Nestor’s hand. It felt cold, so she gently tucked it under the covers.

Nestor kept his eyes closed, but in that moment, he understood who really cared about him. It wasn’t his second wife. It wasn’t Shirley, the girl he’d spoiled for years. It was Catherine, the daughter he’d ignored for so long.

Sometimes, it takes a serious illness to truly see the people around you. This time, Nestor could finally see everything clearly.