The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 960

As soon as Autumn heard they’d be watching something on the big screen, she shot up in her seat, all nerves and anticipation, eyes glued to the stage. She was practically buzzing—any moment now, those scandalous photos of Anastasia would pop up and the whole room would be in an uproar. Anastasia was about to be the talk of the town again, no doubt.

The slideshow started rolling. First up: a cozy family photo of the Kirkwoods, five smiling faces packed close together. Next, an adorable solo shot of Pattie.

Ever since Herman and Anastasia had met Pattie, they’d snapped tons of pictures—Pattie on her first day of school, Pattie running with a kite, Pattie and Anastasia laughing together in the kitchen, Herman helping Pattie with her homework at the table. Each photo felt so real, so full of life and warmth. Pattie’s smile alone could melt the iciest heart.

Back then, Pattie used to chatter away, her voice as sweet and bright as a songbird.

The whole room was silent, everyone watching the photos scroll by. Even these movers and shakers—people who dealt in millions every day—couldn’t help but feel something. When was the last time any of them actually paid attention to their own families like this?

Katelyn and Feiman sat quietly among the guests. Katelyn leaned over to Autumn, her eyes shining. “Look at Pattie—she’s just precious. The first time I saw her, I thought, this kid is meant to be part of the Salstroms. Turns out, I was right.”

But Autumn barely heard her. Her heart was pounding, her mind racing—where were the photos she’d been promised? The ones that would take Anastasia down? Slide after slide, all she saw were happy family moments. She’d expected fireworks, but got nothing.

She was both confused and furious, but she forced herself to keep her cool. No way was she letting anyone see how rattled she was.

“I’m not feeling well. I need to use the restroom,” she muttered, grabbing her purse and making a quick escape.

Mr. Walker called after her, sounding worried. “Autumn, are you okay? Maybe you ate something bad—want me to take you to the hospital?”

“I’m fine. Just need a minute,” she said, waving him off and heading straight for a quiet corner.

Once she was alone, Autumn whipped out her phone and dialed. “What’s going on?” she hissed. “The whole thing’s almost over and I haven’t seen a single photo! What’s the holdup?”

“Relax, I’m working on it,” a man’s voice answered, sounding tense.

That was it. He was angry—embarrassed, even—but he knew he was outclassed. No way was he touching this job again.

“You’ll have to find someone else,” he said, then hung up.

Autumn stared at her phone, seething. She was just starting to think of another plan when a cold, sharp voice cut through her thoughts from behind.

“Mrs. Walker, dinner’s about to be served. Is something wrong? Can I help you with anything?”

That voice—

Autumn’s heart nearly stopped. She spun around and found herself face to face with Herman, and for a moment, she thought she might just faint on the spot.