After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 89

Shirley’s eyes shimmered for a second before she looked up and said, “Dad, I don’t blame Catherine. I’ll be careful from now on. I promise I won’t bring up Lawrence in front of her again.”

Nestor glanced at his thoughtful daughter, feeling a twist of sympathy. “Just try not to mention it anymore.”

Alice couldn’t help but chime in from the side, her tone sharp. “She picked her husband. She can’t blame anyone else.”

“Alright, that’s enough,” Nestor said, giving his wife a look. Honestly, whenever Lawrence’s name came up, he felt his mood drop too. He really didn’t want to hear anyone talk about that man. A son-in-law who made him feel embarrassed was someone he’d rather pretend didn’t exist.

He had tried every way he could think of to stop Catherine from making such a mess of her life, but nothing worked. At this point, he was out of options.

“Dad, I have some good news,” Shirley said quickly, eager to change the subject. “I got into the NexGen Tech Fellowship at the Academy. I’m heading to Harrisburg next week for training.” She had been chosen as the ‘mother of Resonance AI,’ recommended by The James Group.

There were only about a dozen spots for the whole country. Only the best of the best could get in.

Nestor’s face lit up with pride. “Really? That’s amazing. You just keep getting better.”

Alice’s expression shifted instantly, glowing with pride. “Shirley’s always been incredible. Not like some people who are just determined to waste their lives.”

“Mom, don’t talk about Catherine like that,” Shirley said, looping her arm through Nestor’s in a show of big-sister grace. “Dad, when I finish my training, I’ll help make the family business bigger than ever.”

Nestor looked at her, satisfied. Maybe the year Catherine left for art school at sixteen, he’d already decided that Shirley would be the one to take over the family business. Now that Catherine had gone off and gotten married without thinking things through, he really had no expectations left for her.

“Shirley, your dad’s counting on you now.” Nestor patted her shoulder. His phone started ringing, so he stood up and walked outside to take the call.

Alice scooted closer to Shirley, lowering her voice. “Did you catch what your dad just said?”

Shirley’s lips curled in a confident smile. “Of course I did.”

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