After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 80

When Catherine stepped out of the conference hall, she spotted Lawrence waiting for her. She grinned as she walked over. “All done with work?”

“All done,” he replied.

She held up her phone for him to see. “Did you get an invite to tonight’s banquet?”

Lawrence glanced at her phone, his eyes flickering with something unreadable. “No, I didn’t.”

Catherine frowned. “Then why did I get one?”

“Do you want to go?” Lawrence asked, watching her closely.

She shook her head, still smiling. “If you’re not going, I’d rather skip it, too.”

He hesitated, then said quietly, “It’s a great chance to meet new people. You shouldn’t miss out.” There was a softness in his voice, almost like he wanted her to go.

Catherine hesitated. “But…” She really didn’t want to leave him behind just to attend some fancy dinner.

Suddenly, Lawrence reached out and gently rested his hand on her head. “Don’t worry about me. Go.”

She thought it over. Networking could open doors, and maybe she’d make some connections that could help her career. The only thing she needed was a dress, and she could probably work something out—maybe borrow one from Nettie.

“Alright, I’ll go,” she said, nodding.

“I need to make a call. Meet me at the entrance in five minutes,” Lawrence told her.

“Okay, go do your thing,” Catherine replied.

Five minutes later, she was wandering through another company’s exhibit when her phone rang. She picked up. “Hello? Magee?”

“Catherine! Don’t miss tonight’s banquet. I want you to meet some important people in the industry.”

“Thanks, Magee. I’ll be there.”

“By the way, the company arranged an evening gown for you. I’ll text you the address. Don’t be late.”

“I’ll take this one,” Catherine said, her mind made up.

“Excellent choice. That’s the latest Dior haute couture.”

When she slipped into the dress and looked at herself in the mirror, she almost didn’t recognize the woman staring back. The gown hugged her perfectly, every detail flawless. It felt like it was made just for her.

“You look stunning,” the associate breathed, guiding her over for hair and makeup.

Time flew, and before she knew it, it was close to six. Catherine rose from her seat, looking at her reflection one last time. Gone was the engineer in work clothes. Now, she looked every bit the elegant debutante. She touched the necklace the stylist had picked out for her, not even caring about the brand—it matched her dress perfectly.

She grabbed her clutch and walked downstairs. The boutique’s lights made her shimmer as she moved, like some kind of modern princess.

Over in the coffee area, Lawrence was flipping through a business magazine. When he glanced up and saw her, he couldn’t look away.

Catherine walked toward him, bathed in a soft golden glow. She was breathtaking.

Lawrence set the magazine aside, awe flickering in his eyes as he stood up to meet her.