The Bound Between Us

Chapter 974

Anastasia knew Herman was ready to take it all down with him if it came to that— he'd never let anyone else win without a fight.

She rested her head on his shoulder and looked up at the stars. "Honey, the sky's beautiful tonight."

They sat together, hands entwined, enjoying the quiet peace of the night. For now, everything felt calm.

They'd always been a team-husband and wife, side by side. Whatever Autumn tried next, they'd face it together.

The next morning was a riot. Emmie and Nancy, their two little troublemakers, were bickering over who got to sweep the floor. It was a sight that could make anyone smile.

When Anastasia came downstairs, she saw Herman lounging on the couch while the girls, armed with a mini broom and a cleaning rag, were hard at work "cleaning" the living room.

The housekeepers hovered nearby, looking nervous. Cleaning was their job, not the girls', but Herman had told them to let the kids handle things today. So, the staff just stood by, unsure what to do.

Nancy, always quick and efficient, gave the floor a solid sweep, then marched right up to Herman with her hand out. "Daddy, where's my pay?"

that's what this was about: earning

too, her voice all sweet

them, grinning. "Looks like your business sense

just went along with it. Smiling, he pulled out his wallet and handed each of them a crisp $20 bill. "Here

her eyes lighting up. "Now

Their nanny Salma sometimes

but

no junk food, all that. Not everyone agreed on parenting, and it led

Anastasia in stitches. "Nancy, do you really think your dad would trick you? Do you

"Daddy says you have to be honest in

but proud. Not even two years old, and their girls could already chatter away in two languages,

girls switched between English and Chinese without missing a

Crystal who could speak perfect English with her dad. "Now that's a