Anastasia realized that with the way Hanna cared about Rowan, there was no way she would just call and note check on him at the jail. That wasn''t Hanna at all-if she hadn''t shown up, something must have gone wrong.

Anastasia and Rowan exchanged a nce. Rowan said, "I need to go back."

Sensing something was off, Rowan jumped into his car and sped toward the clinic. He tried calling Hanna, but she didn''t answer.

Rowan''s anxiety grew.

Anastasia was still bewildered. She knew something serious had happened at the prison-Rowan was clearly in the clear, but now Hanna''s disappearance was the

real mystery.

Following Rowan down the mountain, Anastasia called Herman and exined, "Rowan''s fine, but there were gunshots at the prison. Something must''ve happened..."

"Something did," Herman replied, voice tense. "Dailey just called. Asher tried to escape he was shot and killed during the attempt."

The words hit Anastasia like a punch to the chest. She mmed on the brakes, heart pounding.

Clutching her phone, she stared at the car ahead-Rowan''s car-wondering how she''d ever break this news to him.

She heard Herman''s footsteps on the other end. "Babe, you still there? Are you near the prison? I''lle get you."

"I''m already on my way back," Anastasia managed, steadying her nerves. "Let''s meet at Carrefour on Machao Road."

But she couldn''t shake the question-why would Asher even try to escape? The ce was locked down tight; trying to break out was basically suicide. Besides, Rowan hadn''t been anywhere near to help him.

Nothing about tonight made sense. Anastasia had the nagging feeling she was missing something important.

"Alright, I''ll be there in half an hour," Herman said. "Drive safe."

"I will."

At the first intersection at the foot of the hill, Anastasia and Rowan split up- Rowan headed straight for the clinic, Anastasia went to meet Herman.

Half an hourter.

In front of Carrefour.

Herman was already waiting by the time Anastasia pulled up.

"Herman," Anastasia called as she got out of her car, "what happened tonight?"

"Get in," Herman said, signaling Nelson in the driver''s seat. "Let Nelson drive your car home."

Nelson hopped out of Herman''s car and went to take Anastasia''s.

Herman slid into the driver''s seat, and Anastasia climbed in beside him.

"Asher tried to escape," Herman exined. "It''s confirmed he was killed half an hour ago."

Anastasia frowned. "Why would Asher even try to break out?"

She was sure Asher had no way of contacting Rowan on the outside. Rowan just happened to be up on the hill today-pure chance.

Herman''s brow furrowed. "I think

Autumn''s behind this. Asher was

looking at twenty years, but that

wasn''t enough for Autumn.fn04f1 The source of th?s content is Find?Novel/fn04f1

Someone had to have pushed Asber to try escaping gave him the chance."  s

Anastasia''s eyes widened. "So as long as Asher tried to run, then even if he was shot, it would be justified. Didn''t Autumn fall out with Mr. Walker? Hasn''t hee back from Crescent Bay yet?"

"He''s back. But underestimated

how much he still cares about

Autumn," Herman said. "They went to the hospital for a paternity test this morning, but at thest minute, Mr. Walker changed his mind he let Devin go, too. He''s decided to

ept Autumn''s baby as his own."  s

"

Anastasia felt a chill settle over her. "So we lost the bet, huh?"

If Mr. Walker was determined to stand by Autumn, their ns were basically shot. And with his influence, taking down the Salstrom family would be a piece of cake for him.

Herman reached over and gently ruffled her hair. "Power''s a double-edged sword, you know. Anyway, you''ve got me."

That simple gesture warmed Anastasia''s heart.

Autumn had Mr. Walker. She had Herman.

The best man in the world.

"Should I call Rowan and tell him about Asher? Anastasia asked. "He was in such a hurry to get back, and Hanna hasn''t answered since she called me. She cares too much about Rowan-no way she''d just disappear."  s

"No need. Rowan will find out by tomorrow at thetest." Herman squeezed her hand and pressed a kiss to her fingers. “Promise me, don''t do anything this risky again. I''d worry myself sick."

He knew Anastasia was stubborn and loyal-of course she''de running to the prison. That''s why he''d dropped everything and hurried over.