After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 355

Lawrence and Nicol met in the top-floor conference room, where the mood was all business and heavy with tension. Every department head from the core strategic investment team was there, each face serious as they took their seats.

“The James Group is in trouble, inside and out. Their stock’s been dropping every day for the past week,” Nicol said, pulling up live numbers on the big screen. “The board’s already fed up with Waldo and his father. Now that Shirley’s facing accusations, some of the shareholders are furious. The lawsuit over Resonance AI has basically stripped The James Group of its strongest card in AI. People are losing faith in their future.”

“It won’t be long before their shareholders start coming to us,” Lawrence replied, his eyes sharp. “They’ll want to cash out before things get any worse.”

Lawrence leaned forward, his tone focused. “But now isn’t the time for a full takeover. What we need to do is target their core assets and technical teams. I want to make sure The James Group doesn’t get a second chance.”

Nicol looked over, a knowing glint in his eye. It was rare to see Lawrence let personal feelings bleed into business, but Waldo had once been engaged to Catherine. This wasn’t just business for Lawrence—he was settling old scores, too. Clearly, jealousy played its part.

The conversation quickly turned to strategy, and the mood in the room grew even more intense.

***

Back in her office, Catherine’s phone rang. When she saw Nettie’s name pop up, she answered with a smile. “Hey, Nettie.”

“Catherine!” Nettie was so excited she could barely get the words out. “Nicol and I are officially together!”

Catherine’s eyes lit up. “Are you serious? You didn’t run away this time?”

“Nicol confessed again today. He told me he grew up in an orphanage and then joined the military. I never knew. I think I was just scared before.”

“That’s amazing! I always thought there was something between you two. Nicol’s a good guy. Don’t let him slip away.”

“We’re the joke of the whole industry. Our reputation and stock price have crashed, all because of what your wife did.”

“Let’s all calm down,” one of Waldo’s top executives jumped in, trying to smooth things over. “Waldo’s working on this and will give everyone a clear explanation soon.”

“We’ll be waiting for that explanation.” A senior director stood up, slammed his palm on the table, and marched out.

One after another, the rest of the directors left, leaving Waldo alone, his face dark with anger and shame. Under the table, his fists were clenched so tight his nails bit into his skin.

He knew exactly how it was. The shareholders only cared about their own profits. With Resonance AI in shambles and the stock in free fall, all the blame was landing on him.

Just then, his phone rang. He checked the screen, waved off the people still lingering nearby, and answered. “Hey, Dad.”