After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 313

At the Blair Estate, Alice was just about to head out to the hospital around ten in the morning. She had barely reached the front gate when her phone rang. One glance at the screen made her tense up. It was Garnett.

She answered quietly, voice tight. “You can’t call me for a while.”

“What’s going on? Did something happen?”

“My husband landed in the ER yesterday. I have to go take care of him at the hospital.”

“So the medicine is finally doing its thing? How is he? He must be close to dying, right?” Garnett sounded way too excited.

Alice glanced around, nervous, and lowered her voice even more. “The doctors say it’s serious. He could go any minute now... Look, just stay out of this. Lay low. Wait until you hear from me.”

“Alice, can you send me some money? I’m really struggling here, I can barely afford food.” Garnett’s tone turned whiny. “Come on, babe, please?”

Alice rolled her eyes. “You’re useless, you know that? Completely hopeless.”

Garnett just laughed, unfazed. “You’re my good wife. Who else is gonna look after me if not you?”

Alice let out a long sigh. “Fine, I’ll transfer you some money later. Just remember, don’t contact me and definitely don’t show your face right now.”

“But what if I miss you... and Shirley? What then?”

“Don’t bother Shirley. She’s busy with her wedding plans. She doesn’t have time for you,” Alice warned him.

“Alright, got it. Just don’t forget my money,” Garnett replied, then added in a low, flirty voice, “I love you, baby.”

“Cut it out, you’re being gross,” Alice shot back, but she couldn’t help smiling a little. No matter what, he was Shirley’s father. And her first love. Garnett might not have amounted to much, but he knew how to sweet-talk her, made her feel needed, and was good in bed. Somewhere along the line, he’d managed to win her over again.

Catherine was there, curled up on the sofa with Lawrence’s jacket draped over her while he sat nearby, keeping her company.

Alice took it all in and raised her voice on purpose. “Oh, everyone’s here, I see.”

Her voice startled Catherine, who’d been dozing off. Lawrence shot her a look full of concern, then turned to Alice, his tone cool. “Alice, this is a hospital. Can you please keep your voice down?”

Alice gave a tight smile. “Maybe you should take Catherine home to rest. I can handle things here.”

Lawrence didn’t move. “I’ll stay. I can take care of Dad.”

Alice really wanted them gone, but she couldn’t think of a way to get rid of them. All she could do was sigh dramatically. “Nestor’s illness is just killing me. There’s so much happening at the company, and Shirley’s wedding is next month. I just don’t know what to do.”

She turned to Lawrence. “Lawrence, maybe you can handle the company stuff for now. Catherine’s exhausted too. Take her home, then check in at the office.”