Autumn''s nerves were shot under Mr. Walker''s stern re.


    It was the first time she''d ever heard that disappointed edge in his voice, and his eyes-usually steady and clear-were unreadable tonight.


    Mr. Walker had always been the pir of fairness, straight as an arrow, never bending the rules for anyone. Autumn admired that about him and made sure never to get in his way.


    But this time, with Julie''s situation, she''d crossed a line-leaned on his name, called in favors, and approached Mr. White, all for Julie''s sake.


    No one knew better than Autumn how much Mr. Walker valued his principles. And tonight, she''d pushed too far.


    Autumn fumbled for words. Mr. Walker just patted her hand gently and said, “Julie''s gone, the case is closed. Let''s not bring it up again—it''ll only give folks something to gossip about. By the way, my cousin called today. He wants to send his youngest grandson, Manny, over to stay for a bit. Might be nice for you to have somepany, keep you from overthinking."


    "You agreed to that?" Autumn shot back, her voice sharp. "Would''ve been nice if you''d asked me first."


    "He means well. We never had kids, andtely, you''ve seemed a little restless, a little lonely. Manny''s a good kid-clever, sweet. I thought it might do you good," Mr. Walker said, trying for a smile.


    Autumn pressed her lips together. "Is this because you''re upset I went to see Mr. White? Look at these." She pushed a stack of statements toward him. "These are from Asher. Julie was hurt-bullied. She''s the daughter of my friend, and she was a good kid who didn''t deserve what happened. I just want to help. Is that so wrong?"


    Mr. Walker stared at the papers, his brow knitting. "Autumn, this isn''t how things are done. Who even gave you these? If anyone finds out, do you know how fast rumors will spread?"


    "Since when do we care about that? Julie was framed. If the cops clear her name, that''s justice, isn''t it?" Autumn''s frustration boiled over. "I''ve stood by you for over twenty years, never asked for much, always kept things running smoothly. Is it too much for me to help a friend''s child?"


    There were things Mr. Walker kept to himself. He remembered how Autumn and Devin had once been a thing, decades ago. But digging up old wounds wouldn''t help anyone now.


    He sighed, softening. "I''m sorry, Autumn. I shouldn''t have raised my voice. If there''s been a mistake, it should be set right. And I know how much you''ve given to this family. Thank you."


    He squeezed her hand, his fingers warm. After a couple drinks, he was feeling sentimental. He pulled Autumn gently into his arms. "Autumn..."


    This time, Autumn didn''t pull away. If she wanted to reopen the case, she needed Mr. Walker on her side.


    Butpared to Devin-his


    wildness, his unpredictability-M Walker felt safe, familiar, routine. He never surprised her, never crossed the line. Everything was always the same.


    No matter how hard he tried, Autumn just couldn''t lose herself in the moment. Instead, her mind wandered, and she found herself picturing Devin''s face in the shadows.


    Southridge Estates


    Herman had heard the rumors: someone was trying to clear Julie''s name. He realized he couldn''t afford to wait any longer.


    If the case got reopened, Anastasia would be in real trouble.


    Asher had already been caught. No way to bail him out this time.


    All the dirt Asher tried to hide wasing back to haunt him, and everyone knew he was headed for prison.


    Even Rowan, slippery as he was, was scrambling to disappear.


    Anastasia found Herman standing out on the balcony, smoking and staring at the June moon. She stepped beside him and asked, "Still worried about Asher?"


    The night was beautiful, the air warm and soft, flowers blooming all along the


    railing. A gentle breeze made everything feel a little lighter.


    "Autumn''s pushing to reopen Julie''s case," Herman said, exhaling smoke. "Asher went down today. Who knows who''s next..."


    "I''m probably up next," Anastasia


    said quietly, not missing a beat.


    "Autumn''s tried to pin things on me


    before, never got her way. If she wants revenge for Julie, she''ll start with Grannie Anita''s murder. Mr. Walker''s got a clean record and all the right connections. Even you might not be able to help if he gets involved. You know what people say-nobody wins fighting city hall."


    If Anastasia got dragged in, Autumn would be calling the shots from then on.


    "Power''s a double-edged sword,"


    Herman said, his eyes hard. "If they


    want toe after you, let them try. Mr. Walker''s got a spotless record, but if he''s willing to risk everything for this, that''s on him-not us."