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.

grandson to a play center. Wanting to win him over, she'd come prepared with

me? I brought

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

the toy, but as soon as he looked at Autumn, his little

kid dislike her so much?

you. I can

dare call herself

arms crossed, lips

hard to win over. She

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

his attention. "You

his dad before, but Dad always said he didn't have a mom. Lots of pretty ladies wanted to be his

his hand. "Let's go sit in the café. I'll tell

longing for his mother had always been there-he saw other kids with their moms and wanted that too. This time, Autumn's words

photo. “See? This is your mom.

was one Autumn