Herman''s voice was calm—not using, but not backing down either. He followed Mr. Walker''s lead, echoing his words without picking a fight or giving ground.


    Mr. Walker felt a wave of awkwardness. He''d spent over twenty years in politics, dealing with every kind of person-sly veterans, loudmouths, egomaniacs. But Herman was a mystery he couldn''t crack.


    Forcing a smile, he said, "Of course, of course. That''s my responsibility."


    The second the words left his mouth, regret hit him hard. He realized toote— this was exactly what Herman had been waiting for.


    Before Mr. Walker could say more, Herman jumped in, cutting him off. "I''ve always trusted your character, Mr. Walker. You''re fair, honest, by-the-book-never one to y favorites. My wife was almost assaulted. She still has nightmares, people gossip and point fingers, and her reputation is in tatters. Now, we''re relying on you to clear her name."


    Every wordnded with weight. Herman wasn''t just making a request-he wasying down his resolve.


    Mr. Walker was left speechless. He''d just walked into a trap of his own making. Herman wasn''t letting up—he was pushing Mr. Walker into a corner. Was he really expected to let his own wife go to jail for this?


    He sat in silence, his face a storm of emotions. He picked up his coffee-cold now —took a sip, and grimaced at the bitterness.


    With a loaded look, he said, "You know, the younger generation is full of surprises."


    "All thanks to your guidance, Mr. Walker." Herman leaned back against the sofa,


    all business. "I just want justice for my wife, no matter what it takes."


    Mr. Walker''s face clouded over, but only for a moment. He quickly gathered himself. "Ana and Rowan-do they know each other?"


    "They''ve met," Herman replied, his tone neutral. "Rowan''s brother, Asher, and I have some history. So yes, we''ve crossed paths."


    Meeting someone and really knowing them-there was a big difference.


    If Ana and Rowan were close, or if there was any hidden connection, Rowan''s confession and his im that Autumn was behind it all would look suspicious- like he was covering for someone. The whole story would fall apart.


    Mr. Walker pressed, "If there''s bad blood, why did Rowan save Ana?"


    Herman paused, letting the question hang. "Maybe it was just a man''s instinct to do the right thing. If you want details, you''ll have to ask Rowan. But whatever his reasons, he saved my wife. Even if he''s guilty of something else, I''m grateful. I’I get him the bestwyers I can find and defend him with everything I''ve got."


    The message was clear: Herman wasn''t just fighting for Ana-he''d go to bat for Rowan too.


    Mr. Walker could tell Herman knew more than he was letting on. But instead of using it to bargain for himself or the Salstroms, Herman yed it straight. That was something Mr. Walker hadn''t expected.


    Just then, Mr. Walker''s phone rang. It was Autumn.


    He answered in front of Herman. "Autumn, what''s up?"


    "Are you still not home? Where are you?" Autumn sounded uneasy, not finding him at home after her nap.


    "I''ll be back soon," Mr. Walker said, ncing at Herman. “Just having coffee with Herman, talking things over."


    The moment she heard Herman''s name, Autumn''s nerves spiked.


    "...Okay,” she replied softly. "Come home soon."


    She hung up right away.


    Mr. Walker chuckled and turned to Herman. "It''s nice having someone waiting for


    you at home. Makes life feel warmer, you know?"


    "Absolutely. Having someone who


    cares, makes all the difference,"


    Herman agreed. Welf, I won


    Keep


    you. Thanks for handling Ana''s case.


    I''ll wait for your news."


    belongs to s


    "Of course." Mr. Walker left it at that.


    Herman walked him out to the café''s front door, watched his car pull away, then headed home himself.<fn0d6d> For original chapters go to Find1Novel</fn0d6d>


    On the drive, Herman called Jason. “Mr. Walker just met with me. He made it


    If he''ll protect Autumn


    If ites to it, we have to use public pressure. Make sure Rowan stays safe inside." ''s


    "Got it."


    When Herman got home, the first thing he did was check on his three kids.


    They were all fast asleep, and just seeing them calmed him.


    He made his way to the bedroom. Anastasia was still awake, curled up on the couch, lost in thought.


    "What''s wrong, love?" Herman''s voice was gentle, full of warmth.


    Anastasia looked up. "I''m just not feeling great, Herman."


    He sat beside her, already knowing.


    why. He wrapped her in his armset


    "Let me tell you some good new Mr. Walker came to see me earlier  s