Chapter 1144

"You know everything." Those three words held a world of meaning.

It wasn't just that Mr. Walker knew Autumn had hired someone to go after Anastasia -he also knew the truth about the child's real father. Neither of them said it out loud, but the truth hung heavy between them.

If Autumn wanted any hope of a life in Riverdale, she had to stick with Mr. Walker. She had no other choice.

He didn't answer her directly, just said quietly, “Sammy's still so little, and we're getting old. We only have so much time to be with him. If anything happened to us, Sammy would be all alone."

Sammy was Autumn's Achilles' heel.

Mr. Walker knew exactly how to keep her in check.

If she wanted her son safe, Autumn had to play dumb and act like the perfect Mrs. Walker-no more drama, no more mistakes.

There was a warning in his words too: don't ask any more questions about Devin. Autumn looked at Mr. Walker, a chill settling in her bones. She used to think he was kind and honest. She never imagined he could be this cold.

Now, she didn't dare say a word. She didn't even ask what had happened to Devin. “Get some rest," Mr. Walker said, and walked out without another glance.

Autumn let out a shaky breath and sat down on the edge of the bed, her legs barely holding her up.

This side of Mr. Walker was terrifying. He sucked the air right out of the room.

She couldn't stop worrying-if he ever got angry, would he take it out on their son? Then she remembered the fancy dress Mr. Walker had given Shirley, the nanny. A new idea crept into her mind: maybe she could use Shirley to distract Mr. Walker, maybe even set them up together.

The next morning.

The christening party was at Le Manoir Prestige, the kind of place with a ballroom big enough for five hundred guests.

People were already arriving by the time Mr. Walker brought Autumn and the baby to the venue.

Autumn, older and still worn out from giving birth, looked exhausted. Her clothes hung loose, new spots dotted her face, and anyone could see how much she'd aged.

But Shirley was glowing, dressed in the expensive gown Mr. Walker had given her and cradling the baby like she was the lady of the house.

Mr. Walker was busy greeting guests. Autumn, weighed down by her thoughts, barely managed a smile, which only seemed to irritate Mr. Walker more.

Meanwhile

At the Stranz house.

Scott was upstairs, buttoning his shirt and getting ready for the celebration.

Juliana, looking flawless and clutching a designer handbag, called up, "Honey, are you ready? We need to get going or we'll be late.”

Scott pulled on his suit jacket, not even bothering to look her way. "I'll go by myself."

Juliana's smile disappeared. "But I always go with you to these things. I'm the lady of the Stranz family If ow up, what will the other think?"

Scott finally looked at her. "I don't want you coming and making a scene. I know how

you get, and today's not the day for one of your outbursts."

He knew the Salstroms would be there, and with Juliana's temper, he was already on edge.

Heading downstairs, he ran into Layna, who was all dressed up too.

Layna beamed at him. "Uncle, are we leaving now?"

She looked thrilled-she'd clearly gotten all dolled up to outshine Paradise at the party.

Scott frowned. "It's after nine, Layna. Why aren't you at school?”

Layna wilted. "Mom said I could-"

Juliana stepped in. "I called the school and got her the day off. She's coming with

us."

Scott's face hardened. “Ridiculous. She should be focused on her studies, not parading around at-

past to show off. She's too

for this kind of thing.

Layna's cheeks burned with embarrassment. She'd always been a little scared of her uncle.

Juliana bristled. "Scott, what's wrong

with you? Why are you picking on Layna? So what if she wants to look nice and skips school for a day

Why are you so upset? Is it just us that bother you now?"

Scott didn't even look back. "Think whatever you want," he said flatly, and walked

out, leaving them both standing there.