After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 314

Lawrence picked up on what she was getting at, but when it came to Nestor’s well-being, he wasn’t about to take any chances. His tone stayed calm. “I’ll have someone take care of things at the company. Catherine’s worried about Dad’s health, so she wants to stay with him. It’ll help her feel better.”

Alice’s smile faltered. Seriously? Did Lawrence really have to act this devoted? Was he putting on a show for someone?

“Lawrence, Nestor’s ‘test’ for you ended ages ago. There’s no need to keep up the act,” Alice said, trying to nudge them out. “How about this? I’ll stay with him during the day. You two can come back in the evening.”

Catherine, still tired, perked up, her youth giving her a second wind. She lifted her chin. “We’re not leaving until my dad is back on his feet.”

Her words made Nestor’s fingers twitch, but his eyes stayed closed. The gesture made him feel warm inside.

Alice’s irritation started showing. “Catherine, what’s that supposed to mean? Are you saying I can’t take care of your father? That I’m not as good as his own daughter?”

Catherine let out a cold laugh. “Isn’t your daughter busy getting ready for her wedding? Why don’t you go help her? I can handle my dad just fine.”

“So that’s it. You’re trying to say Shirley’s ungrateful, huh?” Alice’s face darkened, picking up on Catherine’s tone. She shot back, “I bet you’re just jealous Shirley’s about to get her wedding!” The message was clear. Lawrence hadn’t given Catherine a wedding, and that was embarrassing.

Right then, Nestor, who’d been pretending to sleep, opened his eyes. He pointed at Alice and snapped, “Alice, have you said enough?”

Alice jumped, startled. She turned and saw her husband awake. For a second she looked panicked, then quickly switched to a look of over-the-top relief. “Honey, you’re awake! You scared me so much. I thought—”

“You thought I was going to die?” Nestor’s voice came out rough as he stared hard at Alice’s face.

Alice flinched and quickly crouched down by his bedside, trying to look hurt. “Honey, why would you say that? I was so worried about you.”

“Go on. Shirley can’t handle everything by herself,” Nestor said, waving her off.

Alice glanced at Catherine and Lawrence. “Catherine, I’m leaving your dad with you. Call me if there’s any problem. I’m heading out.”

She grabbed her purse and hurried out.

As soon as she left, Nestor looked at Lawrence. “Lawrence, thank you for everything.”

“No trouble at all, Dad.”

Nestor got straight to the point. “Did you find anything on that matter I asked you to look into?”