After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 323

Shirley stared at her phone, eyes wide with disbelief. She double-checked the number, half-convinced she must’ve dialed wrong, but it was definitely Amy’s.

What on earth was going on? Amy had just vanished without a word. Not just left—completely disappeared.

Shirley hurried down to the front desk and asked around, but nobody had any information. Amy hadn’t left a single trace. Frustrated, Shirley called one of her people and ordered them to check Amy’s travel records.

The answer came back fast. Amy hadn’t left the country—she was still somewhere nearby, only no one knew where.

“Find her, no matter what. I don’t care if you have to hack into every security camera in the city,” Shirley snapped, her voice sharp with panic. Deciding it wasn’t enough, she called the police to file a missing person report, hoping their systems would help track Amy down.

***

In the Nexus Dynamics CEO’s office, Lawrence and Catherine had just wrapped up a long meeting. They’d been hammering out details on Catherine’s lawsuit against Resonance AI. Now, the legal team was putting together the official complaint. Catherine was going up against Shirley and the entire James Group, all on her own.

Back in Lawrence’s office, Catherine felt drained. She sank onto the sofa, and Lawrence slid an arm around her shoulders, pulling her close.

“Is it too much?” he asked gently, concern in his eyes.

She shook her head, looking up at him with quiet determination. “As long as you’re with me, I’m not scared of anything.”

Lawrence gazed down at her, his thoughts tangled up with memories of that night. He reached out, brushing his hand softly along her cheek, then lifted her chin. Without saying another word, he leaned in and kissed her.

Catherine closed her eyes and melted into the moment. The kiss was deep and slow, full of feelings Lawrence had been holding back. She pressed herself closer, arms slipping around his neck. Her heart pounded so hard she was sure he could feel it.

They chatted for a few more minutes before hanging up. Later that night, there was another meeting at Nexus Dynamics to finalize the court summons. By ten the next morning, it would be in Shirley’s hands.

Catherine made it home around ten-thirty, exhausted. She showered, then wandered into Lawrence’s room. By the time he finished his shower, she was already curled up on the bed, fast asleep with her face buried in the pillow.

Lawrence sat beside her, heart aching with affection. He thought about everything she was about to face, then leaned down and kissed her gently. Pulling her into his arms, he let her sleep, not wanting to wake her.

***

At the James Estate, a chilly autumn rain rattled the windows. Shirley paced the room, nerves fraying. None of her people had found Amy, and the police hadn’t turned up anything either. The silence was driving her mad.