Mr. Walker never paid much attention to the women''s gossip. Honestly, it had been ages since he and Autumn had any real intimacy.


    A couple of nights ago, he''d tried to spark things up, but Autumn had shot him down without hesitation.


    In the world of politics, Mr. Walker was smooth, perceptive, always knowing what to say. But when it came to women''s small talk, he was totally lost.


    Suddenly, Autumn stood up, brushing off her skirt as if shaking away the tension. "Katelyn, I just can''t shake this tight feeling in my chest. I think I''m going to head home."


    She really couldn''t take it anymore.


    Even with Daria there, Autumn just wanted to get out.


    Anastasia immediately jumped in, all concern. "Mrs. Walker, are you alright? Chest tightness can be serious. Maybe you should go to the hospital and get checked out."


    Anastasia was a pro at putting on a show-no wonder she and Herman made such a good match. Both knew how to keep up appearances.


    Mr. Walker added, "Yanzi, you really don''t look well tonight. Let me take you to the hospital, just to be safe."


    Autumn was looking for an excuse to leave anyway, so she nodded. "Alright."


    She turned to Katelyn. "Sorry to leave so suddenly, Katelyn."


    Katelyn waved her off. "Don''t worry about it-your health is more important. Go get yourself checked."


    Of course, Anastasia could see right through Autumn. She and Monica had staged this little scene just to put Autumn on edge, to make her squirm a bit-just a little payback.


    With Mr. Walker there, though, they had to keep things subtle. Some things just couldn''t be rushed.


    Anastasia and Herman couldn''t juste right out and tell Mr. Walker about Autumn''s affair. The best n was to let him find out himself. No need to drag the Salstrom family into the mess.


    Mr. Walker helped Autumn out of the room. Devin, seeing them leave, grew suspicious and decided to follow.


    As Mr. Walker and Autumn reached the hotel lobby, Feiman hurried over. "Mr. Walker, leaving already? I heard Mrs. Walker''s not feeling well-what''s going on?"


    Mr. Walker replied, "Autumn''s chest feels tight, so I''m taking her to the hospital. Don''t worry about us, Feiman. You should get back to your guests."


    Feiman shook his head. "Nonsense. If you''re not being looked after, that''s my fault. Let mee with you to the hospital. Herman''s tied up anyway."


    "That really isn''t necessary," Mr. Walker said. "Feiman, I''ll take care of Autumn. You go back to the party."


    Suddenly,


    Salstromutumn spoke up. "Mr. t us being Josenbiel


    godparents-we really mean it. Please ask Joseph to think it over


    and let us know."


    Autumn had already made up her mind. She was set on making Joseph their godson.


    And honestly, since Joseph and Julie already had a kid together and went through half a wedding, he was practically family—a son-inw, more or less.


    Feiman nodded eagerly. "Joseph''s still thinking it over, but I''m sure he''ll say yes. I''ll let you know as soon as he decides."


    "Great." Autumn smiled. "Go on, Mr. Salstrom, don''t let us hold you up. We''ll manage at the hospital."


    "Alright, alright." Feiman relented. "Mr. Walker, sorry if tonight''s party wasn''t up to par."


    "Not at all," Mr. Walker replied with a polite smile.


    After a few more pleasantries, Mr. Walker led Autumn out. Feiman returned to the banquet hall. Devin


    grabbed a cab and followed Autumn''s car straight to the hospital.


    Back at the birthday party-


    Anastasia found Herman and said quietly, "Autumn''s gone."


    Herman''s lips curled into a sly grin. "And Devin followed her."


    "Oh, really?” Anastasia raised an eyebrow, a mischievous smile on her face. "He''s bold, I''ll give him that."


    "For Devin, it''s like he''s on top of the world right now."


    After all, what''s more thrilling than pulling one over on the boss?


    "It''s not just about satisfaction-it''s the rush," Anastasiaughed. "Looks like all


    we need to do is sit back and watch."


    Suddenly, she remembered something. "Oh! I overheard my dad say the Morton Group''s about to go under. Was that your doing?"


    Herman''s tone was cold. "Letting them drag things out this long was already generous. Sandy got too greedy."


    Anastasia frowned. "You hit them hard this time. Funny, Sandy hasn''t made a sound."


    Just then, Monica rushed over, breathless. "Ana, you have toe see this Ashley just showed up, and your aunt got doused with punch! Your dad just dragged them outside."