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.

joking," Anastasia said, signaling Nelson to lead

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

out," Anastasia insisted

out, leaving the

Jarod's reputation as a womanizer

and poured a glass of whiskey, bringing it over to her. "Ms. Anastasia, if you're afraid of me, why step into the business world? This

the glass, downing it in one go to muster some courage. The whiskey was bitter, but

up, her eyes steady. "While he was here, I was happy to be the woman behind

was impressed, raising his own glass and finishing it off. "I've known many

countless women, many whose names he couldn't even remember. They were all after his wealth, easily appeased with designer bags and jewelry, and quick to jump into

me. Good women are nurtured by their

doting on his wife and how Elysian Technologies was now under Anastasia's name. He realized why he

Anastasia with everything, while Jarod

Anastasia that made her

another drink, and raised his glass. "Anastasia, I wonder if I,

the

you. Marrying a virtuous woman like you would surely