The Bound Between Us

Chapter 929

Mr. Walker had been married to Autumn for more than twenty years, but tonight was the first time he'd ever seen his wife dig her heels in like this.

Earlier, he'd dropped Daria off at her place. When she hopped out of the car, she waved and called, "Bye, Grandpa!" The word made his heart feel unexpectedly light. If only he really had a granddaughter like her-how wonderful would that be?

He lit up a cigar and sat quietly for a while, lost in thought. Finally, he said, "I'll find time to meet with Joseph and talk things through.”

When Mr. Walker finally agreed, Autumn's whole face lit up. "Honey, I'll leave this to you."

In over two decades together, Mr. Walker could count on one hand the times he'd seen Autumn act this sweet. In his mind, she was gentle and kind, but always a little stiff—unfailingly strong. They'd never even had a real fight. They were the couple everyone else pointed to as the gold standard.

But tonight, she kept calling him "honey," and he couldn't help but be charmed. Even though her story had gaps big enough to drive a truck through, he let it go. He didn't ask what kind of classmate Devin had really been, or what exactly went on between her and Ben, or why she'd been so secretive about collecting Julie's body.

Some things, he figured, were best left alone.

Up on the hillside, in one of those big, gleaming houses where all the lights seemed to burn late into the night, Rowan hung upside down from a heavy beam. His wounds had split open again, fresh blood soaking through and dripping onto the polished floor. With all the blood rushing to his head, his face was beet red, veins standing out at his temples and neck.

two bodyguards. Two more stood by Rowan, whips in hand, waiting for Asher's word. Asher took a lazy

stared at him, silent and stubborn

made Rowan wince, stinging his wounds and

you where you are," Asher snapped, stalking over. "We're supposed to be brothers. Brothers, Rowan! How

we really brothers?"

and a hint of regret. He'd never really wanted to claim Rowan as

er

but still the

only

family Asher had left.

leaned in, voice tight. "Hand over the chip, and we'll call it even." Rowan's jaw was set. "I

Asher's dirty business-too many secrets to count. Rowan wasn't just being stubborn; he was trying to save Asher from himself. But Rowan never could explain things. He just held firm, stubborn as

Yel

keep an eye on her, and you catch feelings? For Herman's girl, no less! If you'd actually slept with her, maybe I'd have some respect. But this? You don't even

not like that." The last thing he wanted was