The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1047

Herman’s comment made Mr. Walker’s face shift, just a flicker, but enough. He knew exactly what Herman was alluding to—there was no question, Herman was here to get justice for Anastasia.

Mr. Walker kept his polite smile, mind spinning as he picked up his coffee and took a sip. “Bitter. This coffee just doesn’t hold a candle to tea. Tea starts out bitter, sure, but the more you sit with it, the sweeter it gets.”

Herman matched his smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Tea and coffee aren’t even in the same league. Tea’s got thousands of years of history. Coffee? Barely a century here, and maybe only popular in the last twenty years.”

Mr. Walker nodded. “Exactly. Our tea is still the best. Everything passed down from our ancestors is worth cherishing.”

Their chat sounded casual, but every word was a subtle test.

Since Mr. Walker didn’t mention the real issue, Herman saw no need to push it. Now, it was all about who could stay patient the longest.

Herman nodded politely. “Absolutely. Tea is a treasure.”

But Mr. Walker could see Herman was dodging, refusing to bite, acting clueless. He was starting to get anxious.

Herman might be younger, but his composure and depth were nothing to sneeze at.

Anyone else would’ve already called him out directly, or at least brought up Rowan turning himself in, or demanded an explanation about Anastasia’s kidnapping.

But Herman? Not a word.

For a moment, Mr. Walker just couldn’t get a read on him.

He took another sip, and Herman said, “Mr. Walker, if coffee’s not your thing, how about we switch to tea?”

“No, no,” Mr. Walker replied, still smiling. “When in Riverdale, you’ve got to learn to appreciate the local coffee.”

“Fair enough.” Herman sipped his coffee, cool as ever.

Mr. Walker was at a loss.

Herman gave him a compliment in return. “You’ve done so much for the people, Mr. Walker—everyone respects you. Heaven wouldn’t let your line end.”

And so the two exchanged polite flattery. The admiration was real, but when it came to family, the lines were drawn.

Mr. Walker smiled, as if something had just dawned on him. “Oh, right—I heard there’s been some progress in Anastasia’s kidnapping case. The person who killed those four kidnappers has turned themselves in.”

This was exactly what Herman had been waiting for.

“Yes, I heard that too.” Herman tapped his finger lightly on the table, sounding casual. “Apparently the culprit named Mrs. Walker as the mastermind. Quite a surprise. I really can’t figure out what my wife could’ve done to offend Mrs. Walker.”

“It’s baffling, truly,” Mr. Walker said, playing dumb. “Autumn’s only been back in Riverdale a few months, and she’s always gotten along well with your mother. Why would she hurt Anastasia? I’ll make sure we get to the bottom of this—clear up any misunderstandings.”

“Thank you for your trouble, Mr. Walker.” A faint smile played on Herman’s lips. “I’ll be waiting for your good news.”