The Bound Between Us

Anastasia had a knack for knowing what Jarod liked and had everything set up just right. Eight gorgeous women, each with their own special allure: the elegant type, the girl-next-door, the gentle beauty, and the cold, mysterious one.

Jarod's eyes sparkled with satisfaction. "Ms. Anastasia, you certainly know how to cater to my tastes. But..."

"But what?" Anastasia wondered if she'd missed something.

Jarod leaned back on the couch, adjusting his glasses with a scholarly air. "After seeing someone like you, Ms. Anastasia, how could these ordinary beauties even compare?"

He glanced at Nelson and the PR women Anastasia had brought along, clearly wanting her to send them away.

"Ms. Anastasia, I'd like to discuss the South Bay project with you privately."

Anastasia hesitated, but Nelson chimed in, "Mr. Jarod, our lady here has just taken over the company. I'm more familiar with the South Bay Project..."

Nelson was worried for Anastasia, wanting to stay and protect her.

Jarod sneered, "What's this? Has Elysian Technologies really changed hands, letting a mere assistant call the shots?"

The words stung, and Anastasia sensed Jarod's irritation.

said,

Nelson was concerned. "Ma'am..."

out," Anastasia insisted with

but finally ushered everyone out, leaving the large room to just Jarod and

a flicker of fear; Jarod's reputation as a womanizer

of me, why step into the business world? This is a man's game, and a beauty like you

courage. The whiskey was

was here, I was happy to be the woman behind him.

known many women, but I've never envied Herman until

appeased with designer bags and jewelry, and quick to

replied, "Mr. Jarod, you flatter me.

Herman's reputation for doting on his wife and how Elysian Technologies was now under Anastasia's name. He realized why he wasn't

trusted Anastasia with

Herman's love for Anastasia that made her love him

another drink, and raised his glass. "Anastasia,

the honor

you. Marrying a virtuous woman like you would surely bring prosperity to the Denton