Chapter 940

Joseph couldn't shake the feeling that something was off.

The Walkers were all smiles, making him their godson, but behind the scenes,

they kept finding ways to cozy up to Daria. It was obvious—Autumn was here for

Daria. But what could a little kid possibly have that made Mr. Walker go out of his

way to welcome Joseph into the family?

He turned to Caterina. “When Autumn was with Daria, did she say anything?

Mention Julie at all?”

Caterina shook her head. "Mrs. Walker just spoiled Daria—bought her toys,

played with her, that's it. I never heard her bring up Julie."

"If Autumn ever wants to see Daria again, call me first," Joseph said, waving her

off. "That's all. You can go."

Relief washed over Caterina. She almost couldn't believe Joseph wasn't going to

press the issue.

The truth was, Joseph didn't want to keep swapping out nannies—Daria was fond

of Caterina, and that made things easier. As for whatever Caterina was scheming,

Joseph wasn't blind. He could guess well enough.

Ever since Julie's passing, Joseph had heard her name pop up more than once—

all because of Daria. It suddenly struck him: he'd never asked who had claimed

Julie's body.

At a small clinic, Rowan's wounds had been tended to, but he'd spent the night

tossing and turning, the pain making sleep impossible and food unappealing.

Hanna hadn't rested either. She stayed up all night by his side, refusing to see

any other patients. The “Closed” sign hung in the window—she only had energy

for Rowan.

That morning, Anastasia pulled up outside, saw the sign, and peeked through the

door. “Hello? Ms. Hanna? Anybody home?”

Hanna emerged, a little surprised to see her. She wasn't thrilled, but after what

Anastasia and Herman did to save Rowan, she couldn't turn her away. She

opened the door.

Anastasia came in, arms full of groceries and vitamins. “How's he doing?”

“He's a wreck," Hanna said, exasperated. "Didn't sleep at all, hurts everywhere,

and hasn't eaten a thing since yesterday. If the pain doesn't get him, hunger will.”

Anastasia hesitated. “Mind if I check in on him?”

“Go ahead,” Hanna nodded down the hall. “You know the way. I'll stay out here."

Hanna didn't want to tag along. She

didn't want to see the way Rowan

looked at Anastasia—she knew

she’d just feel jealous, maybe even a

little sad.

“Thanks.” Anastasia slipped inside.

Rowan had heard her voice already

and was fumbling to pull his blanket

higher, trying to hide the worst of his

bruises. He didn't want her to see.

Every inch of him throbbed, but he lay still, bracing himself.

The door creaked open.

Anastasia stepped in and saw Rowan bundled up. "Are you cold or something?"

she asked.

Rowan shook his head. "No, I'm alright."

She set her things on the nightstand, keeping a respectful distance. “Work with

Hanna and get better, okay? Your health is everything.”

“Yeah,” Rowan said, sounding steady, but inside he was a jumble—happy to see

her, nervous, and not sure what to say.

Anastasia didn't notice. "If you need anything, just call. And eat something,

alright? Food's important."

She didn't really know what else to say, and Rowan just nodded along, quiet as

ever.

The silence stretched. Anastasia felt awkward, out of place.

After a moment, she said, "I'll come by again soon."

Just as she turned to go, Rowan finally spoke. "Hey... How's Herman handling all

this? Is he really okay with it?"

He knew Anastasia hadn't been hurt, but he wanted to see if Herman could really

accept her, no matter what.

After everything, whatever had been between Anastasia and Herman was gone.

She finally felt at peace.

A gentle smile tugged at her lips. “He

doesn't mind. He never cared about

my past—he's always been that way.

Honestly, he’s a bit clueless about

love. Once he chooses someone,

that's it. I'm lucky to have someone

who loves me enough to pull me out

of the darkness. Rowan, Hanna’s a

good woman. Don't take her for

granted.”