After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 78

As Shirley soaked up everyone’s compliments, a cool, clear voice broke through the chatter.

“Shirley, your story was impressive. But I have to ask, can you tell us what inspired you when you first created Resonance AI?”

Catherine stepped right in front of her, eyes sharp and searching.

Shirley’s smile faltered just a bit. She curved her lips, trying to stay composed. “Sorry, that’s actually confidential. I can’t really go into details.”

“Is it that you can’t say, or that you don’t actually know?” Catherine pressed, raising one eyebrow.

Waldo snapped out of his thoughts and jumped in for Shirley. “Resonance AI is one of The James Group’s core projects, Catherine. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t dig for more details. After all, our companies are competitors.”

Shirley stared at Catherine, a flicker of unease passing through her. They’d had the same mentor. Could Catherine know something she shouldn’t?

Then she reminded herself there was nothing to worry about. Their mentor was gone, and the real creator of Resonance AI was probably gone too. Even if Catherine suspected something, she couldn’t do much about it.

Shirley kept her smile in place and looped her arm through Waldo’s. “Waldo, let’s get going.”

Waldo gave Catherine a long look, but when he turned to Shirley his voice was warm. “You did great today.”

Catherine shot him a look of pure annoyance, but as soon as her gaze met another pair of deep, dark eyes across the room, her whole expression changed. She lit up with a smile as sweet as spring.

Lawrence made his way through the crowd and slipped his arm easily around her waist. “Are you tired?”

“Not really,” Catherine said, shaking her head, her eyes shining. “But I am a little hungry.”

“I’ll take you to eat,” Lawrence said, his voice low.

“But Magee is still here,” Catherine whispered, glancing over her shoulder. She felt a little guilty about sneaking off while the VP was still around.

A heavy discomfort tightened in Waldo’s chest, as if something soft and suffocating was lodged there, making it hard to breathe.

“Waldo?” The voice on the phone called his name.

He snapped back, mumbled a few words, and hung up. He watched Catherine walking away with Lawrence, hand in hand, and the ache in his chest only grew tighter.

“Waldo.” Shirley walked over. “The CEO of Vanguard Logic is looking for you.”

As Waldo turned to leave, Shirley tried to fix his tie. “Your tie’s crooked.”

He stopped her with a quick hand. “I’ll do it myself.”

Shirley’s hand hovered in the air for a second before she pulled it back, smiling. “You’re right. Too many reporters around today. We wouldn’t want any rumors starting.”