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?"

her eyes, understanding

Salstrom family would be thrown into chaos. If those photos get out, that

matter

some hollow sense of justice? If we have this over Mr. Walker, we could get so much more. He'd have to watch over the Salstrom family, and Autumn would be stuck, unable to

punish someone. It doesn't always

Autumn did-now it's the perfect card to play against Mr. Walker.

considered her words. "You want to use Mr. Walker to

Even if Autumn confesses, it's just attempted assault. With Mr. Walker pulling strings, how

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

Walker could shut down Elysian Technologies. Just look

Herman listened, he realized Anastasia had thought of everything-except

his

relying on them, kids and parents both.

a pointless fight, or Herman sacrificing