The Bound Between Us

Chapter 903

Caterina's face lit up as she took the cash, her grin stretching ear to ear. By her guess, it was a solid ten grand. Now that's what you call generous.

Autumn was desperate to see her grandson and build a real connection. So, on the sly, she slipped the nanny some extra cash to sneak Daria out and set up these "accidental" meetings.

"Thank you, Mrs. Walker," Caterina beamed, nearly losing her face in all that smiling.

Autumn leaned in, voice low and secretive. "Keep this between us, alright? Just you and me. And trust me, stick with this and there's plenty more where that came from."

"Don't worry, my lips are sealed." Inside, Caterina could barely contain her excitement. Easy money for doing almost nothing? Who would say no to that? "Go on and spend time with Daria. I'll just make an excuse to use the restroom.”

Caterina had a knack for reading situations. She didn't know exactly what Autumn was after, but as far as she could tell, Autumn adored Daria and meant him no harm. And the money was too good to pass up.

She waved at Daria. "Sweetie, I'm just popping to the restroom. You play here, and I'll be right back."

Daria was a confident, social kid. Even without an adult glued to his side, he could entertain himself just fine.

Before leaving, Caterina checked in with the play area manager and made sure Autumn was allowed to stay and watch Daria. Only then did the manager let Autumn in to join them.

hide-it was her first time bringing her grandson to a play center. Wanting to

approached. "Remember me? I brought you a present. Want to

boys loved cars and robots, Autumn pulled out a limited-edition Transformer

he looked at Autumn, his little face turned stubborn and he spun away. "I don't

this kid dislike her so much? She'd never

soft. "Daria, I'm not a bad person. I really like you. I can

call herself his grandmother

Daria shot back, arms crossed, lips pressed into

had never met a kid this hard to

of ideas, she tried a different approach. "Daria, do you

got his attention. "You

a mom. Lots of pretty ladies wanted to be his mom, but he'd never taken

Autumn said, gently taking his hand. "Let's go sit in the café.

other kids with their moms and wanted that too. This time, Autumn's words struck home, and he followed her to a nearby

“See? This is your mom. Isn't she beautiful? She was so kind and

of Julie, smiling, was one Autumn had gotten from