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.

Salstrom, I really am sorry. Layna's had it rough-she lost her parents

as he turned to Layna. "Layna, apologize to Paradise. Right now. If you don't, you can go back to where you came from. If

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

to go back to being poor. She was supposed to be a

things had gotten, didn't dare say a

"I'm sorry, Paradise," she sobbed. "I shouldn't have

sounded hollow,

it. She signed with her hands, her face set: Tell everyone why you were in there.

were you in the gift room? Why

pieces. Justin recognized

made Justin's heart ache, but he also felt proud. Every time he saw her, she

to answer. Scott nudged her arm, his

That was altit

it completely. She shouted through her tears, "I was looking for the painting! Justin's

the room, face red and blotchy.

embarrassment making her cry even harder as she ran

Layna!” Juliana called,