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, understanding in his

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 they want. Even if the truth comes out, can you really guarantee anyone will

doesn't matter what

what's the point in clearing our name?" Anastasia twined her fingers with his. "Is it worth losing everything for some hollow sense of justice? If we have this over Mr. Walker, we could get so much more. He'd have to

punish someone. It

to play against Mr. Walker. Not using it to help her family would

use Mr.

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

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

Mr. Walker could shut down Elysian Technologies. Just look

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

his arms, heart aching and

family relying on them, kids and parents both. They

didn't want Rowan risking his life for a pointless fight, or Herman sacrificing everything for a punishment