The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 990

Autumn just couldn’t let go of the idea of making Joseph her godson.

She showed up at his company in person. As the wife of the party chairman, her status was obvious the moment she walked in. No assistant at the front desk dared slack off—they escorted her straight to the guest lounge, poured her the best tea, and set out a spread of fresh pastries.

“Please wait a moment, Mrs. Walker,” the assistant said politely. “Mr. Salstrom is in a meeting right now. I’ll let him know you’re here.”

In the conference room, Joseph already knew Autumn had arrived. He didn’t even flinch. Instead, he just dragged out the meeting, nitpicking every last detail, turning what should’ve been a quick session into a two-and-a-half hour slog.

Autumn sat waiting, sipping cooling tea and picking at cookies for over two hours. She knew Joseph was doing it on purpose, and it burned her up, but she refused to leave. She was determined to see this through.

When Joseph finally wrapped up, he asked his assistant, “Is she still here?”

“She’s still in the lounge, sir.”

“She hasn’t left?” Joseph smirked. “She’s tenacious, I’ll give her that.”

He started walking down the hall, but before he could get to the lounge, a little kid came running toward him. “Daddy! Daddy!”

It was Daria—he’d missed his dad and had begged the nanny to bring him over.

But Joseph didn’t scoop him up. He kept his face stern and called out, “Alan, who said you could come here?”

Daria wasn’t scared in the least. He just hugged Joseph’s leg and pouted. “Daddy, I missed you.”

Joseph stayed stone-faced and told the nanny, “Take him home.”

He didn’t want Autumn to see Daria.

“Yes, sir,” the nanny replied quickly.

“Come on, Daria, let’s go,” she coaxed.

Daria’s lips quivered and his face fell. “Okay, Daddy, but come home early, alright? It’s my birthday today.”

Joseph felt a pang in his chest—he’d nearly forgotten. Today was his son’s birthday.

Autumn’s face soured. If it wasn’t for Daria, she wouldn’t be here at all.

She straightened up, putting on her best elder’s pose. “Joseph, your company isn’t exactly a powerhouse, and as the Salstrom family’s illegitimate child, you’re not getting a dime from them. I’m here to help you.”

Joseph laughed—a loud, careless, almost mocking laugh. Autumn’s expression turned even darker, a mix of anger and confusion beneath the surface.

“Hold on, let me enjoy this,” Joseph said, wiping at his eyes. “Mrs. Walker, that’s the funniest thing I’ve heard all year. You deserve a medal for that.”

Autumn just stared at him.

Joseph shook his head, grinning. “Seriously, Mrs. Walker, you’re in the wrong place. You should be on stage doing stand-up, not sitting in my office telling jokes.”

Autumn finally lost her temper. “Joseph, watch your tone—”

Joseph’s patience snapped, too. He slammed his hand on the table, voice rising. “This is my place, Mrs. Walker. I don’t care who you think you are. I told you at the hospital—stay away from my son. Now you’re not just after him, you’re after me too? The only reason I haven’t thrown you out is because I still remember to respect my elders.”