The Bound Between Us

Chapter 1015

That night was an endless tangle of longing, the air thick with unspoken desire.

Her body was a temptation he could never resist.

Southridge Estates glowed with warmth and laughter, but at the Stranz house, the atmosphere was colder than Emmie's frosty glare.

It was already eleven, and Scott still hadn't come home. Juliana sat by the window, eyes searching the night, loneliness gnawing at her. If it weren't for the little one at her side, the silence would've swallowed her whole.

"Aunt Juliana, can I sleep with you tonight?" Layna asked, her voice as sweet as honey, always so well-behaved with Juliana.

"Of course," Juliana answered, more than happy for the company. "Tonight, you're with me."

"Aunt Juliana, why isn't Uncle Scott home yet?" Layna curled up in Juliana's arms, her voice small and worried. "Is it because he doesn't like me? Is that why he doesn't come home?"

Juliana smoothed Layna's hair, her tone gentle. "No, sweetheart, not at all. Your uncle's just got a lot going on at work. When you're older, you'll understand. My Layna is the best girl ever."

Scott was the oldest son, running the Goad Group, but Mr. Goad had more than one kid to keep track of.

Juliana and Scott lived with Layna in their own cozy place, not at Salstrom Manor. The kids were all grown now and liked having their own space.

Juliana moved out after marrying Scott.

with a killer figure, though she didn't always have the sharpest mind. She doted

or caught up in dinners, Juliana poured all her love into Layna. A woman without a man's affection feels like a

today. Are you mad at me?" Layna's voice

up sometimes. Next time, you'll beat Paradise for sure. And remember what I told you-one day, you'll marry into the Wisman family. Your job is to win

was only eight, but Juliana was already drilling these ideas into her. If Scott overheard, it would be

flashed with a

Layna's future. "And remember, when you're with them, keep that little temper in check, okay?" Layna

Pattie at the sports day still ate at Layna.

Juliana said, her heart lighter

while others would toss

at the Walker

sleep. Her mind spun with ways to

knew about

He'd called,

to

up things would get ugly, and Mr. Walker

already passed out

on the living room sofa. The house was silent