Anastasia looked up at him. "So, what did he say to you?"


    "He offered us all sorts of things-some out in the open, some not. Basically, if we let this slide, he''ll make sure the Salstrom family is always taken care of," Herman said. "Mr. Walker knows the score. Even if it costs him his future, he''ll go all out to protect Autumn."


    Mr. Walker hadn''t spelled it out, but the message was crystal clear.


    Most people would''ve jumped at the chance, used it as leverage, and secured themselves a cushy life, free from worry.


    But Mr. Walker wasn''t dealing with just anyone he was dealing with Herman.


    Anastasia pressed, "You didn''t agree, did you?"


    “No.” Herman stroked her cheek, gentle and sure. “I promised I''d stand up for you. I meant every word."<fn2773> ???s ??????? ?s ?????? ?? FιndＮovel</fn2773>


    Instead of looking reassured, Anastasia sighed, her voice soft and heavy. "If this were ten years ago, back when I was seventeen or eighteen, I''d have charged in, headstrong and fearless, all for the sake of justice. But now, Herman, do you really think justice is worth everything?"


    Herman met her eyes, understanding in his gaze.


    She straightened up, turning to face him. "Babe, I keep thinking-even if Autumn pays for what she did, then what? Mr. Walker wille after us. The Salstrom family would be thrown into chaos. If those photos get out, that stain never goes away. People believe what they want. Even if the truthes out, can you really guarantee anyone will listen?"


    "It doesn''t matter what they believe..."


    "Exactly. So what''s the point in clearing our name?" Anastasia twined her fingers with his. "Is it worth losing everything for some hollow sense of justice? If we have this over Mr. Walker, we could get so much more. He''d have to watch over the Salstrom family, and Autumn would be stuck, unable to do a thing about it. Isn''t that a better kind of payback?"


    There''s more than one way to punish someone. It doesn''t always have to be through the courts.


    Everything Autumn did-now it''s the perfect card to y against Mr. Walker. Not using it to help her family would be a waste.


    Herman considered her words. "You want to use Mr. Walker to keep Autumn in check?"


    Anastasia nodded. "I''ve thought it through. Even if Autumn confesses, it''s just attempted assault. With Mr. Walker pulling strings, how long do you think she''ll actually serve?"


    Sheid it out, cool and rational. "A couple years, tops. And that''s if everything goes our way. If Autumn ims she''s pregnant, she could get probation. With maternity leave and breastfeeding, she might never spend a day behind bars. We''d give up so much and get nothing in return. Worse, we''d have Mr. Walker as an enemy, and the Salstrom family''s business would get dragged through the mud."  s


    With one word, Mr. Walker could shut down Elysian Technologies. Just look at the mess with ourst overseas shipment.


    As Herman listened, he realized Anastasia had thought of everything-except her own feelings, her own reputation.


    He pulled her into his arms, heart aching and full.


    They had family relying on them, kids and parents both. They couldn''t afford to act on pride alone.


    Anastasia didn''t want Rowan risking his life for a pointless fight, or Herman sacrificing everything for a punishment that wouldn''t even stick to Autumn.


    The harshest punishment for Autumn would be seeing her enemies living well, unable to touch them, forced to watch Mr. Walker protect the Salstrom family at every turn.


    A broken spirit hurts more than anything.


    Anastasia snuggled against his chest, her eyes bright with mischief. "So, what do you think of my idea? Let Mr. Walker bail Rowan out. We get me protection, the family ge some breathing room, and Jason doesn''t have to worry about his job."  s


    She refused to let her own pain drag down the people she loved.


    Herman kissed her forehead, his voice tender. "With a wife like you, what more could I ask for?"


    Anastasia grinned. "When you were


    in trouble, I thought I''d lost you for


    good. But the universe gave you back to me. Pattie''s voice is healed, our family is whole, and I have a husband who spoils me rotten What more could I possibly want? Mr. Walker''s a good man-nosense ruining him over Autumn. Let him keep doing good for others."  s


    Herman pinched her cheek, smiling softly. "Whatever you say, sweetheart."