The Bound Between Us

Layna's words hit Juliana right in the heart, leaving her aching with sympathy and even softening up Scott's usually ironclad resolve.

After all, his late sister's only child stood before him. No matter how hard-edged he liked to be, Scott couldn't bring himself to be truly cold to his niece-not with the memory of his sister so fresh in her eyes.

Layna was sharp, no question. With just a few heartfelt words, she'd blown away Scott's anger and left him feeling a little guilty, too.

Juliana rushed over, wrapping Layna in a tight hug and breaking down in tears. "Oh, my poor Layna. You may not have a mom, but you have me. I'm your aunt, and I'll be your mom from now on."

"Mom!" Layna sobbed, flinging herself into Juliana's arms.

The two of them cried loudly, putting on a show that left Scott standing there, caught off guard and torn.

Catching a glimpse of Scott's wavering, Juliana and Layna exchanged a quick, knowing look. Realizing their act was working, they ramped up the waterworks— even though it was mostly just for show.

Scott, growing more frustrated, was about to lose his patience when the butler he'd summoned finally arrived. Any hint of softness vanished from his face as he told the butler, "Take Layna to Windsor Academy. Right now."

Juliana's grip on Layna tightened as her tears became real. "No way! I don't agree to this. If you want to take Layna, you'll have to get through me first!"

Scott was taken aback, but her words only made him more determined to send Layna away.

her own good. Spoiling her

back, voice shaking, "You call that education? Everyone knows the kind of kids who end up at Windsor. Layna won't survive their rules. That place crushes

was the fiercest argument she and Scott had ever had. Meanwhile, Layna had gone quiet,

to stay part of the Stranz family, she had no

a small smile for Juliana. "Don't worry about me, Aunt Julie. Uncle's just looking out for me. I'll be back before you know it.

on the outside, but inside, Layna was stewing. She blamed

even more. Everyone else said Layna was a troublemaker,

an act

Go with the butler. Work hard at Windsor, and if you do well, I'll come get you

a deep bow and said, "Sorry for making trouble tonight, Uncle.

Maybe

the car with the butler and

of the students were dumped there by parents

really expected them

was the youngest

ever taken. Most