The Bound Between Us

Chapter 973

Autumn's nerves were shot under Mr. Walker's stern glare.

It was the first time she'd ever heard that disappointed edge in his voice, and his eyes-usually steady and clear-were unreadable tonight.

Mr. Walker had always been the pillar of fairness, straight as an arrow, never bending the rules for anyone. Autumn admired that about him and made sure never to get in his way.

But this time, with Julie's situation, she'd crossed a line-leaned on his name, called in favors, and approached Mr. White, all for Julie's sake.

No one knew better than Autumn how much Mr. Walker valued his principles. And tonight, she'd pushed too far.

Autumn fumbled for words. Mr. Walker just patted her hand gently and said, “Julie's gone, the case is closed. Let's not bring it up again—it'll only give folks something to gossip about. By the way, my cousin called today. He wants to send his youngest grandson, Manny, over to stay for a bit. Might be nice for you to have some company, keep you from overthinking."

"You agreed to that?" Autumn shot back, her voice sharp. "Would've been nice if you'd asked me first."

"He means well. We never had kids, and lately, you've seemed a little restless, a little lonely. Manny's a good kid-clever, sweet. I thought it might do you good," Mr. Walker said, trying for a smile.

Autumn pressed her lips together. "Is this because you're upset I went to see Mr. White? Look at these." She pushed a stack of statements toward him. "These are from Asher. Julie was hurt-bullied. She's the daughter of my friend, and she was a good kid who didn't deserve what happened. I just want to help. Is that so wrong?"

Mr. Walker stared at the papers, his brow knitting. "Autumn, this isn't how things are done. Who even gave you these? If anyone finds out, do you know how fast rumors will spread?"

clear her name, that's justice, isn't it?" Autumn's frustration boiled over. "I've stood by you for over twenty years, never asked for much, always kept

Walker kept to himself. He remembered how Autumn and Devin had once been a

raised my voice. If there's been a mistake, it should be

a couple drinks, he was feeling sentimental. He pulled Autumn

didn't pull away. If she wanted to

But compared to Devin-his

Walker felt safe, familiar, routine. He never surprised her, never

just couldn't lose herself in the moment. Instead, her mind wandered, and she found herself picturing Devin's face in the

Southridge Estates

someone was trying to clear Julie's name. He realized he couldn't

reopened, Anastasia would be in

caught. No way to bail him out

the dirt Asher tried to hide was coming back to haunt him, and

Rowan, slippery as he was, was

the

was beautiful, the air warm and soft,

A gentle breeze made everything