After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 74

“The whole foundation’s a mess,” Catherine said, her voice cold. “Doesn’t matter how tall you make your tower. It’s going to fall, sooner or later.”

“Just shut up, Catherine. Are you cursing my success now? Don’t make your own failures my problem. I’m miles ahead of you, and you know it.” Shirley’s words were sharp, but then she caught a glimpse of someone moving outside the door.

She leaned in, her voice low. “That ocean water was freezing, wasn’t it? So what if I pushed you in that night? Nobody’s ever going to believe your story.”

Catherine’s face went pale with anger. Her hands balled into fists. “Shirley, that was attempted murder.”

“So what if it was? Am I supposed to pay for it?” Shirley smirked, practically glowing with satisfaction.

Catherine glared at her, shaking with fury. Without thinking, she lifted her hand and slapped Shirley, hard, right across her flawless cheek.

The sound cracked through the quiet room.

Shirley gasped, one hand flying to her face. But in her eyes, there was that little flash of victory.

Just then, the lounge door swung open. Nestor and Waldo stepped inside together, both catching the tail end of the scene.

“Catherine, what do you think you’re doing?” Nestor’s voice boomed with anger.

Shirley pressed her palm to her cheek, tears gathering in her eyes. She looked at Catherine, her voice trembling. “If hitting me makes you feel better, Catherine... I won’t hit you back.”

Catherine stopped, but she didn’t turn around. “Why should I apologize? I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Nestor’s face darkened, disappointment clear in his eyes. “You really think it’s okay to hit someone?”

“She deserved it,” Catherine answered, finally spinning back to face them. “And she’ll pay for everything she’s done. Just wait.”

Behind Nestor, Shirley shot her a smug, silent little smile. Her lips moved, but no sound came out: “What are you gonna do about it?”

Waldo kept his gaze on Catherine, missing Shirley’s silent taunt completely.