Chapter 1128

Salma completely missed the hint in Anastasia's words. She honestly thought Herman had invited Mr. Walker out for dinner just to say thanks for his help.

Everyone in Riverdale's high society knew the Salstroms and Walkers were close. It was common knowledge that Mr. Walker thought highly of Herman.

Le Manoir Prestige.

Herman had invited only Mr. Walker to dinner. The private room was elegant and luxurious, with a big round table covered in delicious food and top-shelf wine.

Herman poured Mr. Walker a glass himself. "This is a vintage nu'er hong, aged twenty years. The aroma is rich and smooth. When my youngest daughter was born, I ordered a few jars of this wine to save for when my kids are grown and married."

"Herman, you really went all out," Mr. Walker replied with a smile. "You can tell it's something special from the first whiff."

"I've got a few more jars left, Mr. Walker. I'll have some sent to your place later," Herman said, raising his glass. "Thank you for everything you've done for me lately."

Mr. Walker laughed and joined the toast. "It was nothing, really. You've proven yourself—you make it easy for people to root for you."

"To your continued success, Mr. Walker," Herman said, draining his glass in one smooth motion.

Mr. Walker followed suit. He set down his glass and asked, "How are your kids doing?"

"They're all great," Herman replied, then asked, "Isn't Mrs. Walker due soon?"

"Next month," Mr. Walker answered, his face lighting up. "Everything's going smoothly so far. If all goes well, we'll welcome the baby in a couple of weeks." "You take such good care of her, I'm sure everything will be fine," Herman said, then added, almost offhandedly, “Speaking of the unexpected, there was that accident with Anastasia's assistant not long ago-gone just like that. Life's unpredictable, isn't it? You never know what'll come first, an accident or tomorrow."

"You're right," Mr. Walker said, his voice thoughtful. "Some things are just out of our hands. No one can really see what's coming."

Herman's face stayed calm. "Anastasia was lucky she wasn't in the car. Sometimes, fate just works out that way."

"It really was a close call," Mr. Walker agreed.

Herman's real reason for the dinner was to test Mr. Walker. The guy was even

harder to read than before-cool as ever, giving nothing away.

At least in this short exchange, Herman couldn't pick up any clues from Mr. Walker's words or reactions.

“Let's drink, Mr. Walker.” Herman poured another round.

"To good company," Mr. Walker replied, smiling as they drank again.

After a few rounds, Mr. Walker's phone rang. It was the hospital.

"Is this Autumn's family? Autumn's gone into premature labor. She's at the Women's and Children's Hospital..."

Mr. Walker's face changed immediately. "This is her husband-I'm on my way." Herman asked, "Is something wrong?"

"My wife's gone into labor early—I need to get to the hospital," Mr. Walker replied, panic in his voice.

Herman stood right up. "I'll drive you."

He turned to Nelson. "Bring the car around."

"Yes, Mr. Salstrom." Nelson hurried off.

Mr. Walker was too worried to think twice-he just followed Herman to the car.

On the way, they got stuck in traffic-a bad accident had just happened.

Someone had died.

When they finally drove past, Herman glanced out the window and saw a body on the ground, covered with a white sheet, blood still fresh on the asphalt, a crowd gathered around.

Herman looked over at Mr. Walker and said, "You' were right earlier-eyerything's up to fate. That poor sout couldn't have been

something like this would happer when they left home today Sometimes, it's hard to tell if it's really an accident, or something else."

old. Probably never con?

At the word "accident," a strange look flashed in Mr. Walker's eyes-gone in a second.

He quickly pulled himself together and said with a sigh, “It's a real shame.”

Once they reached the hospital, Herman said, "Try not to worry, Mr. Walker. Im sure both your wife and

baby will be fine."

"Thanks for the kind words," Mr. Walker replied, then rushed off towards the maternity ward.

After he left, Nelson remarked, "Funny timing, Mrs. Walker going into labor like that.

Mr. Walker looked really shaken."

Herman just smiled, calm as ever. "Yeah, funny how things work out."