After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 360

Nestor picked up the phone, his eyes fixed on the video of the three people onscreen. His gaze turned colder, his whole demeanor steely with resolve.

It wasn’t just that Alice had lied to him for ten years. Now he knew she’d made a fool out of him all that time, letting him raise a daughter that wasn’t even his. Calling that woman and her daughter a mistake felt like an understatement. They were the worst humiliation of his entire life.

“Dad, I think Shirley’s coming here to ask you for help with her lawsuit. If you don’t want to see her, we can get you discharged and find somewhere else to stay,” Lawrence said quietly.

“Lawrence, tomorrow is Catherine’s final court hearing. I want to be there to see her win with my own eyes. Let’s leave the hospital and head back to Cabinda,” Nestor replied, his voice firm. Settling things with Shirley and Alice could wait. The only thing that mattered right now was Catherine’s case.

So he made up his mind. He’d avoid the mother and daughter completely, make sure they couldn’t find him before the court date. If Shirley couldn’t get to him, she’d have no choice but to show up in court herself. Once the lawsuit was over, then he’d deal with them.

Lawrence talked things through with Catherine, and they arranged for Nestor’s discharge right away. By lunchtime, the whole family was eating together at a restaurant in Harrisburg. After they finished, Patrick spoke up.

“Your mom and I want to be there for Catherine’s hearing tomorrow, too. Let’s all go back to Cabinda together.”

“That’s right. We’re here to support Catherine,” Adelina agreed, smiling.

Catherine felt her heart fill up with warmth. Having her family behind her like this—it was a kind of happiness she hadn’t felt in a long time.

***

At the front desk of the Cabinda Military Medical University, Shirley and Alice hurried in, both looking anxious. Shirley leaned forward, trying to get information about Nestor’s room.

“I’m sorry, the patient you’re looking for was discharged at eleven this morning,” the receptionist said.

“What? Discharged? Where did he go?” Shirley demanded.

“I’m afraid I don’t have that information,” the receptionist replied.

Shirley clutched her phone, her knuckles turning white. Behind her, Alice asked, “Shirley, what do we do now? Where else can we look for your dad?”

“Does he even deserve to be called my dad? He’s gone when I need him the most!” Shirley’s voice rose, sharp and desperate.

People nearby turned to look at her. Alice flinched, startled by her daughter’s outburst. She could see just how frantic Shirley was. “Why are you so anxious? What’s going on with you and Nestor?” she asked quietly.

“Mom, if I can’t find him, I’m finished. Completely finished,” Shirley said, her voice barely holding together.

Alice stood frozen. The people passing by were all staring. Embarrassed, she grabbed Shirley’s arm and led her out of the hospital. Once they were outside, Alice tried again. “Tell me what’s really going on. Why are you so sure you’re ruined? Isn’t everything fine between you and Waldo?”

Shirley covered her face with her hands. All the anger and hurt she’d been holding back came tumbling out. “Mom, I’m about to lose my lawsuit. Years ago, I found a flash drive in the lab, and my Resonance AI was built using the data on it. But now I know that flash drive belonged to Catherine. She’s suing me for plagiarism and theft. The only person who can save me is Dad.”