The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1083

His daughter was Herman’s whole world, so seeing her out late with two boys—and drinking, no less—was enough to set his nerves on fire.

“Dad, I didn’t drink. I just had juice,” Paradise assured him, her tone innocent.

Justin, steadying a very wobbly Andrew, stepped up before anyone could point fingers at Andrew. “Mr. Carter, it was my idea to get drinks. I didn’t think it through, and now Andrew’s drunk. I’m really sorry.”

Carter knew his son’s antics all too well.

But since Justin was taking the heat, Carter let it slide. With all these people around, he didn’t need rumors spreading that his own kid was the instigator. That would be a headache.

“A little drinking’s no big deal,” Carter said, switching from stern to laid-back in a heartbeat. “Justin, just hand him over to me.”

Justin nodded. “Sure.”

Right then, Andrew started shouting, loud and proud, “Justin, don’t worry! My dad’s not scary—he’s just a paper tiger. He wouldn’t dare lay a hand on me! And here’s another secret: he’s totally scared of my mom. He even had to kneel on durian shells once…”

“Hey! Watch it, you brat!” Carter jumped in, mortified, and slapped a hand over Andrew’s mouth. He gave Herman a sheepish look. “I’ll get him home. He’s had too much.”

Herman tried to keep a straight face, but he was clearly amused. Who’d have guessed Carter was the kind of guy to kneel on durian shells for his wife?

Andrew pried his dad’s hand away. “Dad, let me talk! It’s nothing to be embarrassed about—you always say real men aren’t ashamed to admit they’re afraid of their wives…”

Carter didn’t let him finish. He practically dragged Andrew away, not willing to risk what else his son might blurt out.

Herman turned to Justin. “How are you getting home?”

“Don’t worry, Uncle Herman. Wesley sent a car—it’s waiting outside,” Justin replied, quick to catch Herman’s concern.

Herman nodded. “Alright. Head home early.”

“Will do.”

Justin turned to Paradise. “You should get some rest, too.”

Paradise waved him off. “I will.”

Justin and Layna left together. Once they were gone, Herman led Paradise outside. “Did you tell your mom you were going out to eat?”

“She knows,” Paradise replied. “She and Aunt Monica went for hotpot.”

“Where?”

“Qingyuan Road.”

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