Autumn''s nerves weren''t an act she was genuinely anxious about Daria.


    Anastasia noticed right away. It seemed a bit over the top; Autumn had never been this tense, especially meeting Daria for the first time.


    Katelyn strolled over, trying to keep things light. "Kids are always running into things. It''s normal-no need to fuss."


    She waved the nanny over. "Why don''t you take Daria outside to y? Let us enjoy our tea for a bit."


    The nanny moved to pick up Daria, but Autumn clung to her, a little too tightly. "She''s got such delicate skin-one little bump and she could get hurt. I really like this kid. Let me hold her a little longer."


    She didn''t want to hand Daria over, and Katelyn''sment stung. Easy for her to say, when it''s not her own granddaughter.


    But Daria wasn''t interested in Autumn''s affection. She started to cry, wriggling away, reaching for Anastasia. "I don''t want you! I want my mom! Mommy!"


    She really did treat Anastasia like her mom.


    Daria''s temper kicked in, and she even tried to smack Autumn''s hands away.


    Katelyn scolded, "Daria, you can''t hit people! Just like your mom-you''ve both got a wild streak."


    Autumn''s face fell, stung by the p and Katelyn''s words about her


    granddaughter.


    Anastasia stepped in. "Mrs. Walker, let me take her."


    She reached out, and Daria immediately melted into her arms as Anastasia carried her away, soothing her as they walked.


    With Daria out of sight and earshot, Autumn''s worry only grew. What if Anastasia lost her temper with Daria? What if something happened?


    Katelyn misread her look, thinking Autumn was just upset by Daria''s outburst. "Don''t let it get to you, Autumn. Daria''s always been like this-quick to swing and tough to handle."


    Just then, Emmie and Nancy woke up, their cries echoing through the house- either hungry or in need of a change, as always.


    Katelyn quickly called the nanny to help.


    Bringing kids along meant chaos was guaranteed. Peace and quiet was out of the question.


    Once the little ones were settled and calm, it was already time to wrap things up.


    Katelyn turned to Autumn with an apologetic smile. "Sorry about today. Next time, let''s just meet the two of us. Going out with the kids is always a madhouse."


    Autumn smiled. "No worries. Kids are kids like being around them, honestly. Mr. Walker and I never had any of our own, so seeing you with your grandkids makes me a ?ttle jealous, if I''m honest."


    "Alright, next time it''s just us," Katelyn agreed.


    She gathered the kids and loaded them into the car, with Anastasia buckling in the backseat holding Nancy.


    On the way home, Anastasia said offhandedly, "Mom, Mrs. Walker really seems to care about Daria. She was the first one to rush over when Daria fell."


    Katelyn shrugged. "She never had kids, maybe that''s why. Anyway, let''s drop Daria off at Salstrom Manor. Next time, I''m not bringing her along."


    Katelyn''s dislike for Daria was pretty obvious.


    But Anastasia wasn''t convinced. She couldn''t shake the feeling that Autumn treated Daria differently. If Autumn just loved kids, why was she so cold to Emmie and Nancy?


    When the twins were crying and Anastasia brought Daria back inside, she''d seen the look on Autumn''s face-clear annoyance, even some disgust.


    And when the twins finally quieted down and behaved, Autumn didn''t try to y with them either. Most people couldn''t resist at least a little cooing or apliment, but Autumn kept her distance.


    Anastasia tried to put it gently. "Mom, maybe next time you and Mrs. Walker meet, leave Emmie and Nancy at home. It''s tough to rx when the kids are fussy."


    She''d noticed Autumn didn''t seem to like the twins, but there was no polite way to say it outright. With Katelyn, if you said something, she''d probably repeat it to everyone and make things awkward.


    Katelynughed. "Deal! Next time I''ll leave these two little troublemakers at home. Nancy, say ''Grandma''?"


    Nancy stuck out her tongue, looking absolutely adorable.


    ***


    Elysian Technologies.


    In the office.


    vel


    Herman sifted through a stack of files and handed a few to Nelson. "Tell everyone: no more projects with Morton Group. Keep your distance. If they''re bidding for something, let them take a third, but the rest is ours."  s?novel


    Nelson looked puzzled. “Mr. Salstrom, are we targeting the Morton Group now? What about Thomas Stanton?"


    Herman just sneered. He didn''t really see Sandy or Morton Group as a threat, but Sandy was getting ambitious, and he couldn''t let that go unchecked. Time to keep them in check.


    After all the games and favors, they were even now.


    But still-Sandy''s personality put Herman on edge. He knew better than to let down his guard around someone like that.


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!