The Bound Between Us

Chapter 1016

A sudden voice made Autumn jump, and her phone slipped right out of her hand, clattering to the floor.

She glanced nervously over her shoulder at Mr. Walker, scrambled to grab her phone, hung up fast, and tried to act like nothing had happened. "Just a spam call, some telemarketer. Why are you up?" she said, forcing a casual tone.

Mr. Walker caught the odd look in her eyes, but didn't press it. "Did I scare you?" he asked gently.

Autumn shot him a look. "You startled me! You can't just appear out of nowhere like that—you nearly gave me a heart attack."

He frowned, looking a little worried. "I noticed you weren't in bed, so I came to check on you. Why are you still awake? Are you feeling okay?"

"My stomach's just a bit off," Autumn lied smoothly, hand on her belly. "It's all tight and uncomfortable. I can't sleep. Just another fun pregnancy symptom. It'll pass."

He pulled her into a gentle hug, concern written all over his face. "You're working so hard. Maybe I should get a couple more helpers around here to look after you."

“That's not necessary,” Autumn said quickly. “I'm not used to having so many people around. Really, you should go get some sleep-you've got that meeting at Crescent Bay tomorrow. Don't stay up for me."

Mr. Walker was always busy, always running to dinners or meetings. Sometimes, Autumn wondered if he ever truly rested.

"If you're not sleeping, how could I?" he said softly. "At our age, I hear having a baby isn't easy. It's tough enough for the young ones, let alone us."

He looked at her with a tenderness that made her gut twist. As much as he worried about her, he couldn't let go of this child—the Walker family's legacy. It was all he wanted at this stage in his life.

"I feel much better. Really. Go rest," Autumn urged him, her heart thumping with nerves. She was terrified he'd see through her, and the guilt of how well he treated her was almost unbearable.

Autumn, worried Devin might

had a way of finding you,

out to Crescent Bay. After they ate, Autumn walked him out to the driveway. Mr. Walker was just about to get into his

Mr. Walker," Devin called out from the

throat the moment she saw

expression cooled, but he kept things polite. "Mr. Brown, it's early.

shut, her nerves jangling. She was scared to death Devin would do something reckless and

just here to thank you," Devin said, chipper

เอนซื้อ

daughterlie's case. really et

it brought

something-supplements fooMrs.

expecting. It's just what she needs."

the gift as an excuse to see Autumn, and maybe to get under Mr. Walker's skin-a silent

just didn't like the man. After all,

Mr. Brown. You should really take your gift back. I don't

straight as an arrow. I know you're busy, so I won't keep you. These supplements are just

to Autumn. "Mrs. Walker, it's just a small

at Mr. Walker, then urged, "Devin,

look, silently begging him