After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 35

The real source of that mysterious signal on the cruise ship was Catherine, not Shirley.

A hint of a smile played at the corner of Magee’s mouth.

Right then, Catherine glanced at Magee, her red lips pressing together before she looked up and spoke. “Magee, I have a favor to ask… and I’m not sure if you’ll agree to it.”

“Go ahead.”

“I want to give your company full access to Resonance AI, all the rights. But… I need an advance on my salary. One hundred million. I know it’s a lot, but I need it right away.”

Magee’s eyes widened, caught off guard. Resonance AI was worth much more than that, but her request wasn’t exactly easy for him to grant.

At that moment, his office phone rang. Magee offered a quick smile. “Excuse me, let me take this call.”

Catherine twisted her fingers together, silently vowing to get that advance. She’d promised Nestor a hundred million, and she had to deliver.

Magee picked up. “Hello?”

“Say yes to her,” came a deep, calm young man’s voice from the other end. There was no room for argument.

Magee froze, then it hit him who Catherine really was.

He hung up and walked back to her, smiling. “Catherine, we can do that for you. The money will be in your account today.”

“Really?” Catherine’s eyes lit up.

“Really,” Magee nodded, his tone sincere.

“Thank you. You have no idea how much this means to me.” Catherine’s voice trembled a little, equal parts relief and excitement.

“You don’t have to thank me. You’re worth much more than that. Come in and start work next Monday.”

Outside, Lenny’s car was already waiting at the doors of Nexus Dynamics. Catherine got in and quickly filled them in on everything.

“That’s amazing! With Nexus Dynamics on our side, we’ll finally have a real shot at getting the patent back from The James Group.” Naomi’s short hair framed her face as her eyes sparkled with excitement.

“Catherine, did you talk everything over with Magee himself? Does he get the final say? I’ve heard their real boss is super mysterious. He started the company eight years ago, and nobody’s ever seen him in public.”

Catherine narrowed her eyes, thinking back to Magee’s phone call. That had to be the mysterious boss. Magee only agreed to the advance after that call.

She nodded, deep in thought. “Looks like the boss at Nexus Dynamics really believes in Resonance AI.”

“Yes! With Nexus Dynamics backing us, we can finally go toe-to-toe with The James Group.” Lyman clenched his fist in excitement.

“This is perfect. Let’s see how long Shirley and The James Group can stay smug.”

Catherine looked out the window, her gaze steady and determined. “This time, I won’t let her steal what’s mine.”