After the Fall A Leap into a Stranger's Arms novel Chapter 90

Waldo had been trained from the start to be the perfect heir, every move and lesson shaped by his father. He’d grown up hearing the same thing over and over: there’s no place for feelings in the world of money. Everything was about strategy, numbers, negotiations, and knowing when to walk away.

Back at the beach that day, with Catherine and Shirley in the water, it felt like love and ambition had both fallen in at once. And he, true to form, chose ambition. He let go of Catherine, the one who had always looked at him like he was her whole world.

Now, Waldo lifted his head and stared at the wall covered in photographs. His eyes were red and tired. Each picture was a reminder of how much Catherine had loved him. There she was, holding a cup of coffee with a heart in the foam, happiness shining from her eyes. Another photo showed her tying his tie, her gaze full of affection.

“You really don’t want me anymore?” Waldo’s voice was rough as he spoke to her photo. “What’s so great about him? What can he actually give you?” He pushed himself to his feet and walked over to the photo where Catherine’s smile was the brightest. “Whatever I can give you, he never could, not in a million years.” He reached out, brushing his fingers over her smile. “Come back to me, Catherine. Let’s start over. Please.”

His phone rang behind him, snapping him out of his thoughts. He glanced at the caller ID and answered, sounding annoyed. “It’s late. What’s so important?”

“Waldo, there’s some news I thought you should hear.”

“Just say it.”

“Ms. Blair has been accepted into the NexGen Tech Fellowship at the Science Institute.”

Waldo rolled his eyes. “I already know that.”

“No, Waldo. I mean Catherine,” the caller clarified.

He froze. “What? Catherine got in too?”

“Yes. The Institute just published the list. I saw Shirley’s name, and Catherine’s. They both made it.”

Waldo just stood there, clutching his phone, the news taking a moment to sink in. Suddenly, he remembered Magee introducing Catherine to a group of researchers at the banquet. He remembered the way they’d looked at her, impressed and curious. All this time, he’d completely underestimated her.

“No way. How is this even possible?”

Shirley stared at the newly published list from the Institute, her eyes glued to Catherine’s name. Nexus Dynamics already had its candidate. How could Catherine get in as a special invitee?

Why her? Just because of those three papers she wrote five years ago? All that was ancient history. Catherine had spent the last five years as Waldo’s girlfriend, basically a rookie. There was no way she could keep up with the pace or the tech.

Shirley bit her lip, her smile turning cold. Fine, Catherine. If you want to go head-to-head, I’ll show you what real talent looks like.

***

That weekend, Catherine got a call from Nettie. She was finally back from the overseas conference and wanted to take Catherine out shopping.