The Bound Between Us

Chapter 513

Anastasia rolled her eyes at Herman, a mix of amusement and exasperation dancing in her gaze. "You really get a kick out of these thrills, don't you? Acting like there's no cost and no responsibilities once the fun is over."

Herman pulled her into his embrace, sealing their closeness with a deep, passionate French kiss. "I'll be responsible for you for a lifetime. Why didn't you take the money I gave you last time?"

"I want to leave your house with my hands clean," Anastasia replied firmly. "When I married you, I had nothing. It wouldn't feel right to walk away from a divorce with a chunk of your billions. Carrying that much, I'd never sleep soundly, always worrying about being mugged or worse."

"My silly woman," Herman murmured tenderly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "If you miss me, just come here. The door code is your birthday. Once I've cleared Grandma's case, I'll remarry you in style. We never had a proper wedding, Anastasia, but this time, we'll do it right. Let's start over."

She knew he had always wanted to give her a grand wedding.

Now that they were divorced and single again, it was like a fresh start.

But in that moment, Anastasia hesitated. "Herman, we were always from two different worlds. If you can clear your name, that's great, and I'm happy you still want me. I can be with you, no strings attached, have a little affair. I don't want to be Mrs. Salstrom again. Some prejudices, societal judgments, they're etched deep inside, like an insurmountable mountain. I'm content with how things are now."

fault-too many temptations, too much trouble for a man

speechless. Was this his version of a

attract is definitely a bit much. Even if you don't reciprocate, there are women throwing themselves at you. How did your handkerchief end up

planned to bring it up, but his

handkerchief?" Herman

a trivial matter wouldn't stay in his

them without a second thought, even the ones that cost a

Salstrom, do rein in

to take over the company, I

but tease. "Your family is an oddity. Other dynasties claw at each other for power and wealth, yet

the pinnacle was the daily grind, while the wealthy like Herman contemplated

the eldest, I'd

Anastasia pressed, "Why not? Wasn't he always competing with you? I heard he's planning a union with the Browns. Isn't he doing that to team up against you, to fight for

lusts after power and wealth. Joseph has his own skills and could easily have a comfortable life. He doesn't give