The Bound Between Us

Chapter 1021

Given Mr. Walker's standing, he wasn't about to make a scene. Even if he caught them red-handed, he'd handle it with icy composure. There was no way he'd

march into a hotel with an entourage public humiliation.

he wouldn't set himself up for that kind of

Clinging to the last scraps of self-control, Mr. Walker called Autumn as soon as he arrived back at the Riverdale house. "I'm home," he said calmly. "Are you coming back on your own, or should I send someone to pick you up from the hotel?"

It was just past six in the morning, the sky barely brightening.

When Autumn saw his name flash on her phone, her heart lurched, panic washing through her. The shock made her fumble-her phone slipped from her hand and hit the floor. That single sentence told her everything: Mr. Walker knew.

He hung up after saying just that.

Autumn's arms and legs went weak, her heart thudding in her chest. In a frenzy, she shook Devin awake, her voice barely steady. "It's over, Devin. Mr. Walker knows. He's back-he knows everything."

Devin blinked, still half asleep. "Who knows what?"

"Mr. Walker knows about us! He's home. He knows I'm at the hotel-he even asked if I'm coming back or if he should send someone."

That snapped Devin awake. "Shit."

you

knew exactly

course, Autumn didn't dare admit

his shirt, she hesitated, then asked, “If

hold on to Mr. Walker-do whatever it takes to keep your

in Autumn's chest. She saw Devin for who he was-using her, never once

bitterness finally spilled over. "Back then, you said I wasn't good enough and pushed me away. Now you still won't marry me. You never

out a frustrated sigh. "Is this really the time for that? Just get dressed- remember, don't admit anything. If you can protect yourself, maybe there'll still be a

he'd been showing off

crush him like an ant if

save himself, but

repeated urging, Autumn finally left

the time she got home, daylight

housekeeper away for the

steps, turned, and saw Autumn walk in, eyes empty, soul drained. The thought of her and

the way home, she'd already played out this scene in her mind. After nearly thirty years of marriage, she knew

tried to keep his temper in check. "What exactly

said, honest but calm. “I won't lie. Years ago, I was with Devin.

His

we lost touch. tmoved to the country, met you, and we never reconnected until Peame back to Riverdale. That's when

the years apart—she'd spent decades by