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.

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

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

sound close, but every word was a lie, smearing Anastasia's name and 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

romance was already a

I'll make sure to keep an eye out. I won't let

eighteen-and they'll be harder to control. WhQ know you might wind up a grandmother before you know it That would be a nightmare.

from a good family, be kind and be pure. If Paradise thinks she

finally looked satisfied. "Layna,

We can't let that Paradise girl get anywhere near the Li family.

single

and with the Salstrom name behind her, she'll be

Juliana, if I want something, I'm not letting