The Bound Between Us

The more Autumn talked, the harder it was for her to control her anger. She had fully slipped into the role of a furious mother-in-law, treating Joseph like he was the lowlife who'd ruined her daughter's life.

She jabbed a finger at him. "Julie went through so much to bring this child into the world, and now she ends up like this? How is her soul supposed to rest? She died with regrets, and you're just making it worse."

Autumn's eyes were red as she lashed out at Joseph. The intensity in her voice scared Daria, who'd never been fond of Autumn to begin with. Now, seeing Autumn yell at her dad, Daria burst out, "You're mean! Don't yell at my daddy! Go away! I don't want you here!"

This wasn't the first time Daria had said she didn't like Autumn or didn't want her around.

Autumn's heart twisted. She wanted to raise her granddaughter so badly, and those words stung more than she'd ever let on.

Joseph, who'd never cared for Julie anyway, hated hearing Autumn go on about "your mom this, your mom that," especially when it upset Daria. His expression turned icy. "I don't care who you think you are get out. You don't get to judge me. My kid's mom is gone, and you think you're good enough to take her place?"

Joseph never let anyone mention Julie in front of Daria. For Autumn to do it now, right in front of her, was the last straw.

He kicked Autumn out of the hospital room and slammed the door behind her. She heard Joseph snap at the nanny, "Don't let that old witch near Daria again."

Autumn was shaking with anger. With a temper like Joseph's, she could only imagine what her daughter had suffered.

If her daughter had grown up by her side, or if she'd come back to Riverdale sooner and known about Julie,

Autumn had to find a way to bring

never win a custody battle against Joseph. She'd have

***

Elysian Technologies.

by. She showed up at his office and ran into Nelson as he

Nelson, is he

inside, resting. He doesn't look too good-probably not

worry spiked. "I'll go

office. Anastasia gently pushed the door open and found him lying on

his eyes at her touch, his voice soft. "What brings you

slipped her

21013

said you weren't feeling well. Are you

come back from the hospital after having a vasectomy. He hadn't been in the office at all that morning he'd gone Straight for the procedure. Ever since James's

taken matters into his own