Chapter 1132

Anastasia's eyes lit up with excitement and she grabbed Herman's arm. "You actually called Devin here?"

"For something this big, how could his own father not know?" Herman grinned. "I've had someone keeping an eye on Devin these last few months, just waiting for a moment like this. He's a useful piece on the board."

Anastasia laughed. "Herman, you're terrible."

Who else could come up with such a wicked idea?

Herman tickled her under the arm, making Anastasia giggle uncontrollably.

He raised an eyebrow. "Only now you realize I'm bad? Come on, you know women love a bit of mischief in a man.”

Anastasia burst out laughing, trying to squirm away. "Alright, alright, I take it back! No more tickling!"

Herman let her go and said, "Here's another piece of good news-just now Dailey messaged me. Sophia's been watching Mr. Walker's shadowy contacts and found out he did a paternity test in secret. As for the results-I don't need to spell it out."

"Mr. Walker really went through with the test?" Anastasia's eyes sparkled with amusement. "All these years, he finally has a son, only to find out the boy's not even his. That's gotta sting, huh?”

Sting was putting it mildly-it was brutal.

"With all the gossip flying around, there's no way he wouldn't double-check. Even if he has to wear that hat, he'd want the truth." Herman's lips curled into a sly smile. "Consider this my second gift to him."

Anastasia frowned a little. "Just now you said something about Mr. Walker's shadows. What did you mean?"

"You don't get to sit in Mr. Walker's seat without a few tricks up your sleeve," Herman explained. "He's not exactly squeaky clean-he's got his own network, his own leverage. If he'd stayed out of your way, I'd have left him alone. The world's a messy place. Honestly, he was just a little dirty. A shame, really."

He hadn't wanted to go after Mr. Walker-but now, he didn't have a choice.

Herman never picked fights, but he sure wasn't afraid of them.

Anastasia looked at him, thoughtful. "Herman, this is all getting deeper and messier than I ever imagined. I used to hope we could just leave each other alone, keep the peace. Never thought Mr. Walker would have more tricks to play."

Herman brushed a lock of hair from her forehead. "We'll handle whatever comes. Too many people are eyeing Mr. Walker's spot."

Anastasia only half-followed. She settled against his chest, listening to his heartbeat. "I just want things to be simple. No more drama, no more games."

Herman understood. Anastasia craved a simple life, but he'd pulled her into this world of strategy and schemes. The second they stepped outside, they had to wear their masks.

Every move mattered.

“Get some sleep,” Herman murmured, hugging her tighter. "Even if the sky falls, your husband's got you."

Anastasia smiled, eyes closed, but her hand wandered, playfully teasing him. “I know you can hold it up."

And she wasn't just talking about problems.

Herman went silent, cheeks coloring just a bit.

Anastasia opened her eyes and laughed out loud at his shy expression—such a rare sight.

She loved seeing Herman smile,

especially when he was a little

embarrassed that was when he felt the most real, the most alive.

Herman rolled over, pinning her beneath him. "What goes on in that head of yours?"

Anastasia just laughed, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him first...

The next morning.

No matter what, the sun still rises in the east.

Paradise finished breakfast and got ready for school. Anastasia drove

her, dropping her off before heading

to her studio.

Herman took Emmie and Nancy to preschool.

After the holidays, Anastasia had enrolled Emmie and Nancy in a local preschool- no more homeschooling.

Anastasia's car pulled up in front of Oakridge Elementary. Paradise hopped out. "Bye, Mom!"

"Work hard," Anastasia called after her. "Listen to your teachers."

“I know, I know,” Paradise replied, waving.

She spotted some friends at the gate and hurried in with them.

Anastasia watched her daughter disappear through the doors before driving off to the hospital to visit Jason.

Just as she left, the Carter family car rolled up. Andrew jumped out with his backpack and dashed toward the school.

"Paradise, wait up!"

Paradise glanced back at Andrew, who looked every bit the little rascal, but kept walking with her friends.

"Paradise!'m talking to you!"

Andrew caught up and threw an around her shoulders. "I've got a basketball game this

afternoon come watch me!"

"Nope. Not interested." Paradise brushed his hand away.

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