After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 43

Half an hour later, Nestor’s car stopped right in front of Nexus Dynamics. He stepped out, trying to keep a lid on his anger, and marched straight into the lobby. The receptionist hurried over, all polite smiles. “Hello, sir. Who are you here to see?”

“I’m looking for one of your engineers. His name is Lawrence. Tell him to come down and meet me right now.”

The receptionist hesitated. “I think Mr. Lawrence is in a meeting. Maybe you could come back after office hours?”

Nestor scoffed. “A meeting? He’s just an engineer. Stop making excuses. Tell him Catherine’s father is here and I’m not leaving.”

She looked rattled, unsure how to handle him. Just then, Magee came in with two assistants. He recognized Nestor right away and walked over, looking surprised. “Nestor? What brings you here?”

“Magee, good timing.” Nestor worked to keep his voice steady. “I need to find someone in your company. Can you help me get him down here?”

Magee tilted his head, curious. “Who are you looking for?”

“Lawrence. He’s an engineer.” Nestor tried to keep his tone professional, but his irritation was showing.

Magee’s face tightened. “Lawrence is actually in a pretty important meeting right now. I’m not sure—”

Nestor cut him off. “Important? How important can a junior engineer be? I need to see him today. No exceptions.”

Magee hesitated, then asked, “Is something urgent going on?”

Nestor’s frustration bubbled over. “He tricked my daughter into marrying him. I’m here to set things straight.”

Magee’s eyes widened. He was silent for a moment, then cleared his throat. “Nestor, maybe there’s been some kind of misunderstanding?”

“Misunderstanding?” Nestor let out a cold laugh. “My daughter is living in some rundown place, wearing cheap jewelry, all because of him. If that’s not being deceived, then what is?”

Magee looked thoughtful, then turned to the receptionist. “Please show Mr. Blair to the lounge on the top floor.” He turned back to Nestor. “I’ll have someone bring Lawrence up to you right away.”

The anger came back with a rush. Nestor set his teacup down hard on the table. “Lawrence, you seem to have no problem dressing yourself up. That suit wasn’t cheap, was it?”

Lawrence’s expression didn’t change. “It’s for work.”

“For work?” Nestor shot back. “And Catherine’s ring? That didn’t count? You walk around looking like a big shot, but you let her suffer.”

Lawrence hesitated for a second. “The ring was actually Catherine’s—”

“Don’t try to talk your way out of this. You’re just broke, aren’t you? So let’s cut to the chase. Name your price. How much do you want to leave Catherine?” Nestor’s voice was icy. He was ready to pay whatever it took. As long as Catherine came home, it’d be worth it.

Lawrence’s brow furrowed. His voice stayed cool. “Nestor, Catherine isn’t something you can buy or sell.”

“Don’t pretend you’re above this,” Nestor replied, holding up five fingers. “Five million. Is that enough?”