Anastasia had already done her research. She knew that today, once again, Caterina was taking Daria out.


    After a few days of tailing them, Anastasia had figured out their routine: Caterina would first bring Daria to the yground near Salstrom Manor for a bit, and then they''d catch a cab to "identally" run into Autumn.


    Autumn had quickly learned how to handle Daria. Whatever Daria wanted-be it snacks, new toys, or anything else-Autumn would buy it without a second thought. Daria, who used to be wary of Autumn, now adored her.


    Kids are easy like that. A sweet treat, and their mood does aplete 180.


    At two or three years old, boys love toys most of all. They love to show off, too—if another kid has something, they want it, too.


    Autumn made sure Daria got everything he wanted, and Daria was absolutely beaming.


    That day, Caterina met up with Autumn and Daria at a shopping mall, where Autumn showered Daria with new clothes. Soon after, Caterina made up an excuse and left, leaving Daria with Autumn.


    All the while, Anastasia followed from a distance, snapping photos on her phone like a detective.


    Joseph, Daria''s father, was out of town on business and wouldn''t be back for days. Katelyn barely paid attention to Daria, and Feiman, the housekeeper, was too busy to care. Eventually, Daria just ended up with the nanny, who didn''t really bother with him.


    As soon as Caterina left, Anastasia saw Autumn take Daria into a flower shop.


    She parked her car by the curb and kept watch.


    Inside the shop, surrounded by colorful flowers, Daria tugged at a bunch of baby''s breath. "Grandma, I like these flowers."


    Autumn never denied Daria, so Daria felt free to say whatever was on his mind.


    "Of course, honey. If you like them, I''ll get them for you," Autumn replied with a smile. "After this, Grandma will take you somewhere special."


    "Really? Is it fun?" Daria''s eyes lit up.


    "Oh, it''s very special," Autumn teased, keeping it mysterious. She was nning to take Daria to the cemetery to visit Julie''s grave.


    Julie had been gone for a long time, but Daria had never visited her.


    "Okay! I want to go!" Daria pped his hands, excited.


    Autumn bought the flowers and took Daria to the cemetery.


    To avoid Mr. Walker''s suspicion, Autumn didn''t use the family driver. She either called a cab or drove herself.


    As soon as Autumn left, Anastasia started her car and tailed them.


    Night was falling as they reached the cemetery on the outskirts of town.


    Anastasia felt uneasy. Why would Autumn bring a little boy to the cemetery sote at night?


    The ce was eerie, the kind that makes your skin crawl, with only the wind and the asional caw of a crow forpany.


    Anastasia didn''t dare follow too


    closely, it was so quiet, her headlights would be a dead


    giveaway. By the time she reached


    the parking lot, Autumn and Daria were already gone.


    She parked, then found the cemetery caretaker at the entrance.


    "Excuse me, did you see a woman with a little boy? Which way did they go? What are they doing here sote?” she asked quietly.


    The caretaker held out his hand expectantly. Anastasia got the hint and slipped him some cash.


    He nodded. "They went up the back hill. What else would people be doing here? Visiting someone''s grave, I suppose."


    "Thank you," Anastasia said, then hurried up the path.


    The cemetery was even creepier than she expected. Tombstones stretched out in all directions, and little gine trees cast long shadows. Her heart pounded, but curiosity pushed her forward.


    She spotted Autumn up ahead, holding Daria''s hand.


    Daria, clearly scared, started crying. "Grandma, where are we? I want to go home."


    "We''re almost there," Autumn coaxed. "If you''re good, Grandma will buy you a new toy."


    "I don''t want a toy! I want to go home!" Daria wailed, tears streaming down his face.


    Autumn ignored his protests, tugging him along. "Don''t cry. Your mother went through so much to have you. You should visit her.”


    Anastasia, a little ways behind, couldn''t hear every word, but Daria''s crying was impossible to miss.


    Autumn led Daria deeper into the cemetery. Headstones and pine trees were everywhere, and a crow''s harsh call echoed through the air.


    Anastasia, getting anxious, crept closer. Suddenly, she stepped on a branch. Snap.


    Autumn stopped and nced around, on alert. "Who''s there?" she called out sharply.


    Anastasia froze, ducking behind a headstone, her heart in her throat Just then, someone grabbed her arm from behind, making hecalmost shriek.


    When she saw who it was, her eyes widened in shock.


    She lowered her voice, whispering, "Herman? What are you doing here?"