After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 36

Up in the top-floor office of Nexus Dynamics, Lawrence stood by the window, tall and collected, gazing out over the city with a rare glimmer of anticipation in his eyes. For once, he actually looked forward to going home. Someone was waiting there, eager to share her “good news” with him.

The world had always wondered who founded Nexus Dynamics, never guessing it was actually Catherine’s newly minted husband—Lawrence. What’s more, Lawrence had just learned that the mysterious genius behind Resonance AI, the person he’d spent five years quietly searching for, was his own wife all along. Funny how fate works.

He checked his watch. Still an hour left before he could clock out, just enough time to tie up the day’s work.

A knock sounded at the door. Magee stepped in and set a file on the desk. “Lawrence, this just came in from the military. Encrypted. It’s their strategic review of the Resonance AI system.”

Lawrence flipped through the file, his brow tightening. “Don’t let anyone know who she is yet. When the time’s right, I’ll introduce her to the military myself.”

Magee nodded. “Understood. And about Catherine starting at the company—”

Lawrence didn’t look up. “As far as she’s concerned, I’m just another engineer. Don’t forget it.”

“Got it.”

At three in the afternoon, The James Group was buzzing with energy. They were throwing a massive celebration banquet. Shirley arrived in a curve-hugging evening dress, looking like she’d stepped out of a magazine. Waldo was in rare form, grinning and soaking up the attention. Everyone could already picture tomorrow’s stock price shooting sky-high.

Inside the banquet hall, laughter and champagne flowed freely. Waldo worked the room, glass in hand, graciously accepting every compliment. Shirley was glued to his side, the two of them looking like the picture-perfect power couple.

“Waldo, once those stocks go wild tomorrow, you’ll be the king of the tech world,” one investor gushed.

Waldo just smiled, savoring his drink and the moment.

But not this time. Catherine had changed. She wasn’t the quiet girl he remembered. Now she had claws, and she wasn’t afraid to use them. Worse yet, she was out there charming some other guy.

“Waldo, when the stock price jumps tomorrow, maybe we can—” Shirley tried to lighten the mood.

“I’m tired. You all go ahead and enjoy.” Waldo set his glass down, grabbed his jacket, and walked out.

Behind him, Shirley’s eyes flashed with resentment. She’d handed Waldo the Resonance AI system. How could Catherine still have a place in his heart?

Shirley’s grip on her glass tightened. Growing up, she always wanted whatever Catherine had. Maybe it was because she was just Nestor’s illegitimate daughter. Maybe that was why she was so desperate to prove she was just as good, if not better.

She finished her drink in one gulp. Memories flashed through her mind—her childhood spent hiding and running with her mother, never knowing where they’d sleep next, while Catherine got to be the little princess.