Herman grinned and gave Anastasia''s nose a yful tap, his gaze soft and full of affection. "That''s the kind of thing Autumn''s probably losing sleep over right now."


    Anastasia lifted an eyebrow. "You think even Autumn herself isn''t sure? If that baby really is Mr. Walker''s, there''s no way she''ll let go of that lifeline. A child bornte in life-Mr. Walker''s bound to treasure it."


    If that turned out to be true, all their scheming would be for nothing.


    Anastasia still hadn''t forgiven Autumn for hiring thugs to humiliate her. Even though nothing actually happened, Anastasia had no intention of letting that grudge go.


    Herman fell quiet, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Looks like we''ll just have to take a gamble."


    Mr. Walker''s career was on the rise. To shake his position would mean a fight where everyone got hurt-if it was even possible at all.


    Mr. Walker didn''t have any obvious weaknesses. He wasn''t greedy, he kept his nose clean, and everyone seemed to genuinely respect him.


    Honestly, Herman admired that. The world could use more honest officials who actually did the right thing for people.


    Even when Autumn helped Julie Brown overturn her conviction, she''d done everything by the book. The procedures were spotless-no one could pick out a single w.


    When Asher got arrested, the trouble never touched Anastasia. Herman knew Autumn was being cautious as well.


    Now it was just a matter of chance. Autumn was betting too: if the baby was Mr. Walker''s, she''d win. If not, she''d be the one to face his fury.


    That night at dinner-


    Jarod was hosting, but it was a small, exclusive group-just four people. Mr. Walker brought along a colleague.


    Anastasia was the only woman at the table.


    Everyone knew Herman doted on his wife, so having Anastasia there felt totally natural.


    Jarod gave an exaggerated sigh. "Mr. Salstrom, look at us-just a bunch of lonely guys at the table, and you''ve got your beautiful wife by your side. You''re really spoiling it for the rest of us."


    Herman pulled out a chair for Anastasia andced his fingers with hers as they sat down. He shot back, "I bet Tracy is already waiting for you in the hotel room, isn''t she?"


    Jarod roared withughter. "You see right through me, Mr. Salstrom! Tracy''s just a bit of fun on the side-I wouldn''t dare bring her out in public. Mr. Walker, don''t take me too seriously. I don''t have many hobbies, just a weakness for pretty women."


    Mr. Walker chuckled. "That''s men for you. I get it."


    He''d heard plenty about Jarod''s reputation.


    "Come on, let''s order," Jarod said with a practiced smile. "Since we''ve got ady with us, Anastasia should pick first. Mr. Walker, you don''t mind, do you?"


    With Mr. Walker present, Anastasia knew how to y the game-never taking advantage, no matter how polite they got.


    Before Mr. Walker could say a word, Anastasia smiled. “Mr. Jarod, you''re ttering me. Honestly, I think Mr. Walker should pick the first dish."


    Herman gave her hand a reassuring pat but stayed quiet. He trusted Anastasia to handle little things like this.


    With Anastasia around, Herman could y the part of the doting husband; it was obvious who called the shots at home.


    Mr. Walker smiled back. "Anastasia, you go ahead. Women have their preferences don''t be shy."


    "Well, if you insist, Mr. Walker, I''ll pick something," Anastasia replied with a grin, and ordered a dish.


    The rest of the meal, Anastasia kept to herself, quietly enjoying her food while the men talked business. Every now and then, she''d refill Herman''s ss or serve him some food.


    s


    It wasn''t for show-that''s just how they were, even at home. Everything felt easy


    and natural between them.<fn2e69> Th?s chapter is updated by ?ovelFind</fn2e69>


    After a few rounds of drinks, Jarod was getting tipsy and leaned over toward Mr. Walker. "Mr. Walker, T heard you''re thinking about making Joseph your godson. Why not take me too? One more can''t hurt, right?"  s


    Mr. Walker was caught a bit off guard, pausing in surprise.


    Anastasia nced at Herman, who lookedpletely unfazed.


    She kept her head down and didn''t chime in.


    Mr. Walker forced a politeugh. “Hank, you always have a joke up your sleeve."


    He couldn''t possibly agree to that-if he did, there''d be a stampede of people lining up to be his godchildren.


    Herman picked up on the awkwardness and jumped in to help. “Jarod, you''ve definitely had enough to drink tonight."


    Jarod, feeling bold from the booze, doubled down. "I''m not drunk! I''m serious, Mr. Walker. Let me be your son, what do you say?"


    He was really overdoing it,pletely missing the cues around him.


    Mr. Walker was clearly ufortable now, trapped by Jarod''s persistence.


    Sensing the tension, Anastasia


    stepped in with a lightugh. "Oh, Mr. Jarog''s always joking around. Mr. Walker, please don''t fake him top seriously But we actually do have something to celebrate-congrattions, Mr. Walker! I heard from my mom that Mrs. Walker is expecting. That''s wonderful news."  s