The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Katelyn had always thought of Autumn as a true friend. Plus, since Autumn was married to the council president, keeping their friendship strong was just smart.

Lately, though, with all the mess about those leaked photos, Katelyn had been feeling overwhelmed. Autumn's visit couldn't have come at a better time-she needed someone to talk to, someone who'd really get it.

As Autumn stepped into the living room, Katelyn greeted her with a big, warm smile, ushering her to the comfiest seat and telling the housekeeper to bring out the best tea.

"Autumn, I can't tell you how happy I am to see you. I've been stuck at home for days with nobody to talk to—I'm going stir-crazy."

Autumn gave her a look only an old friend can pull off-half teasing, half worried. "I heard you haven't left the house in a while. Figured you might need some cheering up, so I thought I'd stop by. Katelyn, what's done is done-you can't let it eat you alive."

Katelyn let out a heavy sigh. "I'm honestly too embarrassed to go outside. The house phone rings nonstop, reporters are camped out front...I just don't know what I did to deserve this. Feels like we'll never have peace in this house."

Autumn lowered her voice, "How's your daughter-in-law holding up?"

Katelyn's smile faded. “She's been hiding in her room, refusing to see anyone. I mean, who could blame her? Her mom says Ana's even had some...well, really dark thoughts. She's not handling any of this."

Hearing that, Autumn felt a quick flicker of satisfaction, though she kept her expression sympathetic. She pressed on, "And your oldest son? I heard all this drama is even hurting Elysian Technologies. Doesn't look like it'll blow over soon."

Truthfully, Autumn hoped the Salstrom family would drop Ana. With their support gone, Ana would be easy to deal with.

But Katelyn shook her head. "My son's stubborn as a mule. He's not giving up on Ana, no matter what. She's the mother of his three kids-he won't turn his back on her."

Divorce was out of the question for the Salstroms. Katelyn was frustrated, sure, but tossing Ana aside was never an option.

Autumn hid her disappointment and glanced around the living room. Not spotting Daria, she asked lightly, "Where are the kids? It's so quiet in here."

She was careful not to sound too interested in Daria specifically.

"They're all in the backyard," Katelyn answered, brightening. "Emmie and Nancy have started walking, and now they're into everything."

Just mentioning her grandkids made Katelyn's whole face light up.

But Autumn still hadn't heard anything about Daria. She couldn't help herself. "And what about Daria?"

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“Oh, Joseph picked her up this morning, Katelyn replied, frowning little. "He's her dad, after all. About time he stepped up-he can't just leave her with us all the time." noveldrama

Finding out Daria wasn't at Salstrom Manor, Autumn lost most of her interest in staying. She lingered for a bit, looking for a polite excuse to leave, when suddenly Flynn came in, carrying Daria.

Katelyn looked surprised. "Why'd you bring Daria back? Where's Joseph?"

Flynn rolled his eyes. "Joseph? He's

got better things to do than look

after his own kid. He ditched Daria at the club and ran off with his

veel.n

girlfriend. I just happened to be there, so I brought her home Honestly, who brings a little kid to a place like that?"

Flynn filled them in, and Autumn felt a stab of worry. She couldn't help but scold, "What kind of father does that? Taking a child to a club-what was he thinking?"

She reached out for Daria, but the little girl shrank back, glaring. "You're a bad person. I don't want you to hold me."

Those two words-bad person-hit Autumn like a punch to the gut.

She would do anything for this granddaughter, give anything to make up for what she owed her own daughter. But Daria wanted nothing to do with her.