The Bound Between Us

No mother wants her child getting caught up in romance too soon. The mere mention of it put Mrs. Li on high alert.

She stared in disbelief. "An illegitimate daughter from the Salstrom family? Who is that? Which Salstrom family are you even talking about?"

It never crossed Mrs. Li's mind to connect this gossip to the Salstroms of Elysian Technologies. As far as she knew, there was no secret daughter in that family.

"It's Herman's girl, Paradise," Juliana explained. "Xinru, you really need to watch your son. That girl... she's got a reputation. She's not someone you want Andrew around."

"Paradise? How could she be Herman's illegitimate child? Isn't she his and Anastasia's daughter? Herman said so himself at the last birthday party." Mrs. Li frowned, thinking aloud. "And isn't that girl mute? How could my son be writing love letters to her? How would they even know each other?"

Mrs. Li hadn't paid any attention to Paradise and had no clue the girl could speak

now.

know?" Juliana looked at her like she'd just missed the obvious. "Xinru, you're being too trusting. Everyone knows how much Herman dotes on his wife, but Paradise isn't really his. She's Anastasia's child with another man. Herman only claimed her for the family's reputation. They got married in a hurry-I checked. No way they'd have a

in, "Auntie, it's true. Paradise is Ana's illegitimate daughter. I heard Ana say

poisoning Mrs. Li's first impression of Paradise. Juliana kept going. "Just look at her-she'd barely transferred to Kingsley Elementary, and already Andrew's chasing after her. That girl's going to be trouble when she grows up. She used to be mute, but now she's talking-who knows what problems she'll have next? She's young, but her mind's already working overtime. Maybe she's only after your family's background, getting close to Andrew on purpose. And as for the Salstrom inheritance, that'll go to the other two kids. Paradise won't get a thing. But your Andrew? He's an

went rigid. Early romance was already a

heads up, Juliana. I'll make sure to keep an eye out. I won't let anyone

can't take puppy love lightly. Give it a few years-seventeen, eighteen-and they'll be harder to control. WhQ know

good family, be kind and be pure. If Paradise thinks she can get close to him

looked satisfied.

the car, Juliana turned to Layna with a smile. "You did well back there. We can't let that Paradise girl get anywhere near the Li family. Layna, keep your eyes open. Don't give Andrew

a single

pretty, and with the Salstrom name behind her, she'll be a real threat

I'm not letting Paradise