After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 84

Catherine didn’t even bother responding. She knew exactly what kind of person Shirley was. The woman was relentless, like a vicious dog with a bone. Ignoring her was the smartest move.

And sure enough, as Shirley’s eyes narrowed and she looked ready to say something even nastier, a man’s voice spoke up from behind her.

“Shirley, would you give us a moment? I need to talk to Catherine.”

Waldo stepped in, one hand in his pocket. Dressed in a deep blue suit and looking every bit the golden boy, he was easily the main attraction tonight. Rumor had it The James Group, his company, was rising so fast it might soon catch up with Nexus Dynamics, the industry leader.

Shirley’s face twitched with jealousy as she glanced at Catherine, then stalked away, wine glass in hand.

But Catherine had no interest in talking with Waldo, either. She turned to leave.

Waldo’s expression turned dark. “Catherine, how long are you planning to keep this up?”

He sounded like he still thought he was her fiancé or something.

Catherine paused, then turned to face him with a cold smile. “Waldo, you need to remember who you are. You don’t get to talk to me like that.”

Waldo took a deep breath, his voice dropping. “Catherine, come on, I’m asking you. Let’s just have a real conversation, okay? I told you, I don’t care that you were married before. As long as you come back to me—”

“Waldo,” she interrupted, “get real. I am married now. Try to show some respect.”

“Married?” Waldo let out a short laugh. “To that guy who doesn’t even have the guts to show up to something like this? Catherine, why are you lying to yourself? You know he’s not good enough for you.”

Catherine almost burst out laughing. Had she always missed how full of himself Waldo was? Did he really think she couldn’t live without him?

Lawrence stood just a few steps away, the lights behind him outlining his tall frame. He walked over, eyes fixed on Waldo’s hand around Catherine’s wrist. “Waldo, take your hand off my wife.”

Waldo dropped her hand without thinking, but embarrassment quickly turned to rage. “Lawrence, this is between Catherine and me. Stay out of it.”

Lawrence slipped an arm around Catherine’s waist, his gaze sharp and icy as he stared Waldo down. “You seem to have forgotten who’s standing with her now.”

His voice wasn’t loud, but it carried a chilling authority.

“You…” Waldo started, but stopped when he met Lawrence’s eyes.

There was something cold and dangerous swirling in that steady gaze. Lawrence’s voice got even quieter, but somehow colder. “There are consequences for coveting another man’s wife.”