The Bound Between Us

Anastasia looked up at him. "So, what did he say to you?"

"He offered us all sorts of things-some out in the open, some not. Basically, if we let this slide, he'll make sure the Salstrom family is always taken care of," Herman said. "Mr. Walker knows the score. Even if it costs him his future, he'll go all out to protect Autumn."

Mr. Walker hadn't spelled it out, but the message was crystal clear.

Most people would've jumped at the chance, used it as leverage, and secured themselves a cushy life, free from worry.

But Mr. Walker wasn't dealing with just anyone he was dealing with Herman.

Anastasia pressed, "You didn't agree, did you?"

“No.” Herman stroked her cheek, gentle and sure. “I promised I'd stand up for you. I meant every word."

Instead of looking reassured, Anastasia sighed, her voice soft and heavy. "If this were ten years ago, back when I was seventeen or eighteen, I'd have charged in, headstrong and fearless, all for the sake of justice. But now, Herman, do you really think justice is worth everything?"

met her eyes,

keep thinking-even if Autumn pays for what she did, then what? Mr. Walker will come after us. The Salstrom family would be thrown into chaos. If those photos get out, that stain never goes away. People believe what

doesn't matter

of justice? If we have this over Mr. Walker, we could get so much more. He'd have to

more than one way to punish someone. It doesn't always have to be

play against Mr. Walker. Not

considered her words. "You want to use Mr. Walker to keep Autumn in

Even if Autumn confesses, it's just attempted assault.

laid it out, cool and rational. "A couple years, tops. And that's if everything goes our way. If Autumn claims she's pregnant, she could get probation. With maternity leave and breastfeeding, she might never spend a day behind bars. We'd give up so much and get nothing in return. Worse, we'd have Mr. Walker as an enemy, and the Salstrom family's business would get

Technologies. Just look at the mess with our last

listened, he realized Anastasia had thought of everything-except her own feelings, her

her into his

parents both. They couldn't afford to act on pride

risking his life for a pointless fight, or Herman sacrificing