After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 51

“Comfort? That sounded more like rubbing salt in the wound.” Nestor’s face grew even darker. “Support her? What, do you think the Blair family is a charity?”

Catherine shot Alice a sharp look, then let her gaze fall to the agreement on the table. All she could think about was Lawrence, how he’d built her that swing last night, the way he’d smiled at her beneath the tree.

She took a steadying breath and spoke clearly, her voice ringing out in the quiet living room. “I choose Lawrence.”

The words hit the room like a stone dropped in water.

Nestor had only meant to pressure her, to force her back into the fold. He never thought she’d actually go through with it. Shock and disappointment twisted his features. “Catherine, you’d really give up the shares your mother left you for a man you barely know?”

“Yes. I don’t want the family fortune. I just want him.” Catherine’s eyes shimmered with tears, but her resolve had never been stronger. “You can’t measure someone’s worth with money.”

She crossed the room, picked up the pen, and signed her name without a pause.

When she finished, Catherine slid the agreement over to Nestor and looked him straight in the eye. “Dad, from today on, I have nothing to do with the Blair family. I’m going to live my own life with Lawrence. Please, don’t try to interfere anymore.”

Alice tried to hide her excitement and rushed over, pretending concern. “Catherine, don’t be impulsive. Your dad’s just upset. Think about this, okay…”

Catherine saw right through her act. She pulled her arm away. “Don’t bother.” She grabbed her bag and turned away, but after a few steps, her tears finally broke free. She looked back at the man who had raised her. “Dad, take care of yourself.”

With that, she turned and walked straight for the door.

Nestor looked at the card. The PIN was written on a slip of paper—Catherine’s birthday. He frowned, wondering if there was really that much money in the account. But if Catherine was set on marrying Lawrence, there was nothing he could do.

He got up and locked the contract and the card away in the safe in his study.

Outside, Catherine finally let her tears fall. She hadn’t expected Nestor to be so cold, to use such harsh tactics just to break her and Lawrence apart.

She looked up at the bright sun and took a deep breath. She wasn’t crying because she regretted giving up the inheritance. She cried because Nestor didn’t understand her. He didn’t trust her.

When Catherine got home, she found Lawrence had already returned. Suddenly, all she wanted was to fall into his arms and let out every tear she’d been holding back.