The Bound Between Us

Chapter 953

Because Layna was just a kid, Herman decided to let the Stranz family handle things.

Of course, that also meant putting the Stranzes right on the spot.

If Scott couldn't come up with a solution that satisfied the Salstroms, the Salstrom family would only have more reason to take matters into their own hands.

Scott was stuck. Honestly, he would've preferred if Herman just sorted it out himself—he'd have gone along with anything, as long as it wasn't too much.

But the Salstroms, acting generous on the surface, were really just turning up the pressure.

Guests started gathering, drawn by the commotion. Even Jonah showed up, hanging back at the edge of the crowd. Justin was with him, wanting to step in, but Jonah caught his arm and held him back.

This was a Stranz-Salstrom issue, all because some kids got into a fight. The Wisman family wasn't about to wade into that mess.

It was clear Herman wanted the Stranz family to explain themselves. Even though the Wismans and Stranzes had been close for years, this time, they had to stay on the sidelines.

The tension in the room was thick, the mood icy, and no one looked happy.

it rough-she lost her parents young and only recently came back to us. We haven't done a great job raising her yet, so this is

to Layna. "Layna, apologize to Paradise. Right now. If you don't, you can go back to where you came from. If I can't teach you, someone else

sent back to the orphanage, back to Mr. Duncan and the hard life she'd left behind, made Layna

poor. She was supposed to be a

seeing how serious things had gotten, didn't

streaming down her face. "I'm sorry, Paradise," she sobbed. "I shouldn't have

apology sounded hollow, more

buying it. She signed with her hands, her face set: Tell everyone why you were in there. Why did you try to take my painting? Did you rip it on

translated for everyone. "Layna, why were you in the gift room? Why did you take Pattie's painting? Did

two pieces. Justin recognized it right away —it was the one he'd

Justin's heart ache, but he also felt proud. Every time he saw her, she stood her ground with Layna-Pattie never

nudged

That was altit

lose it completely. She shouted through her tears, "I was looking for the painting! Justin's painting! Paradise doesn't deserve it, and

room, face red and blotchy. She nearly crashed into

making her cry even harder as

Layna!” Juliana called,