The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1049

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?”

Herman met her eyes, understanding in his gaze.

She straightened up, turning to face him. “Babe, I 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 they want. Even if the truth comes out, can you really guarantee anyone will listen?”

“It doesn’t matter what they believe...”

“Exactly. So 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 watch over the Salstrom family, and Autumn would be stuck, unable to do a thing about it. Isn’t that a better kind of payback?”

There’s more than one way to punish someone. It doesn’t always have to be through the courts.

Everything Autumn did—now it’s the perfect card to play against Mr. Walker. Not using it to help her family would be a waste.

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