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.

surely you're joking," Anastasia said, signaling Nelson

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

Anastasia insisted with a

everyone out, leaving the

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

whiskey, bringing it over to her. "Ms. Anastasia, if you're afraid of me, why step into the business world? This is a man's game, and a beauty like

muster some courage. The whiskey was bitter, but it gave her the boldness she

here, I was happy to be the woman behind him. Now that he's gone, I'll hold up this family and this

known many women, but I've

all after his wealth, easily appeased with designer bags and jewelry,

Jarod, you flatter me. Good women are

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

with everything,

Anastasia that made her

drink, and raised his glass. "Anastasia,

the honor

virtuous woman like you would surely bring prosperity