A sudden voice made Autumn jump, and her phone slipped right out of her hand, ttering to the floor.


    She nced nervously over her shoulder at Mr. Walker, scrambled to grab her phone, hung up fast, and tried to act like nothing had happened. "Just a spam call, some telemarketer. Why are you up?" she said, forcing a casual tone.


    Mr. Walker caught the odd look in her eyes, but didn''t press it. "Did I scare you?" he asked gently.


    Autumn shot him a look. "You startled me! You can''t just appear out of nowhere like that—you nearly gave me a heart attack."


    He frowned, looking a little worried. "I noticed you weren''t in bed, so I came to check on you. Why are you still awake? Are you feeling okay?"


    "My stomach''s just a bit off," Autumn lied smoothly, hand on her belly. "It''s all tight and ufortable. I can''t sleep. Just another fun pregnancy symptom. It''ll pass."


    He pulled her into a gentle hug, concern written all over his face. "You''re working so hard. Maybe I should get a couple more helpers around here to look after you."


    “That''s not necessary,” Autumn said quickly. “I''m not used to having so many people around. Really, you should go get some sleep-you''ve got that meeting at Crescent Bay tomorrow. Don''t stay up for me."


    Mr. Walker was always busy, always running to dinners or meetings. Sometimes, Autumn wondered if he ever truly rested.


    "If you''re not sleeping, how could I?" he said softly. "At our age, I hear having a baby isn''t easy. It''s tough enough for the young ones, let alone us."


    He looked at her with a tenderness that made her gut twist. As much as he worried about her, he couldn''t let go of this child—the Walker family''s legacy. It was all he wanted at this stage in his life.<fnf> Newest update provided by find·novel</fnf>


    "I feel much better. Really. Go rest," Autumn urged him, her heart thumping with nerves. She was terrified he''d see through her, and the guilt of how well he treated her was almost unbearable.


    They went back to the bedroom together. Autumn, worried Devin might call again, turned her phone offpletely.


    But what was meant to happen had a way of finding you, no matter what.


    The next morning, Mr. Walker stayed home for breakfast with her before heading out to Crescent Bay. After they ate, Autumn walked him out to the driveway. Mr. Walker was just about to get into his car when they were interrupted-Devin showed up, grinning, with a gift basket in his hand.


    "Good morning, Mr. Walker," Devin called out from the gate, all smiles.


    Autumn''s heart shot into her throat the moment she saw him.


    Mr. Walker''s expression cooled, but he kept things polite. "Mr. Brown, it''s early. What brings you by?"


    Autumn kept her mouth shut, her nerves jangling. She was scared to death Devin would do something reckless and ruin everything.


    "Mr. Walker, I''m just here to thank you," Devin said, chipper as ever. "I heard you helped overturn my


    ???????


    daughterlie''s case. really et


    appreciate it brought a little


    something-supplements fooMrs.


    Walker. I heard she''s expecting. It''s just what she needs."  s


    He was using the gift as an excuse to see Autumn, and maybe to get under Mr. Walker''s skin-a silent battle between two men.


    Mr. Walker didn''t care for Devin''s games; honestly, he just didn''t like the man. After all, Devin had once been Autumn''s first love.


    He stayed calm. "Helping people is my job, Mr. Brown. You should really take your gift back. I don''t ept presents."


    Devin just grinned wider. "You''re a real public servant, Mr. Walker. Always straight as an arrow. I know you''re busy, so I won''t keep you. These supplements are just right for Mrs. Walker."


    He set the basket-packed with vitamins, herbal teas, and fancy jams-down by the door and turned to Autumn. "Mrs. Walker, it''s just a small token. For old times'' sake. Take care of yourself."


    Autumn''s face drained of color. She nced nervously at Mr. Walker, then urged, "Devin, please, take your things back."


    She shot him a desperate look, silently begging him to leave.


    Mr. Walker nced at Autumn, and she shrank back, tense and quiet.


    He absolutely hated when people tried to give him gifts.


    Just when Autumn braced herself for him to lose his temper, Mr. Walker surprised her. "You''re old ssmates—if it''s just a friend dropping by, that''s different. I''ll ept it this time, I have to get to my meeting at Crescent Bay. Thank you, Mr. Brown."  s


    "You''re too kind, Mr. Walker," Devin said, still smiling. "Go take care of your business. I''ll be on my way soon."


    "Mr. Brown is an old ssmate.


    Since you''re here, you two should


    catch up. I''ve got work to do. Next time you''re by t''ll make sure to host you properly," Mr Walker said before heading to his car.  s


    Devinughed easily. "No need to be so formal."


    Mr. Walker drove away, but Devin stayed put in the driveway, clearly nning to stick around and chat.


    Once the car had disappeared down the street, Mr. Walker turned to his assistant. "I''ll be in Crescent Bay for two days. Keep an eye on the house for me."


    He couldn''t shake the feeling something was off.


    Letting Devin stay had been a test—and it unsettled him that Devin had been bold enough to stay behind.


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