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?"

burst out laughing-so that's what this was about:

too, her voice all sweet and earnest. "Daddy, I wiped all the tables!

"Looks like your business sense runs in the

he sit and watch while they cleaned. He just went along with it. Smiling, he

her eyes lighting up. "Now I

Their nanny Salma sometimes

treat, but only when

no junk food, all that. Not

light and examined it closely. The whole act had Anastasia in stitches. "Nancy, do you really think your dad would trick you? Do you even know

to be honest in business. So I trust dad.

proud. Not even two years old, and their girls could already chatter

paid off. The girls switched between English and Chinese without missing

through TikTok and seeing a toddler named Crystal who could speak perfect English with her dad. "Now that's a