The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia had gotten photos like this before. It wasn't the first time someone tried to mess with her head. Back when Herman got tangled up in Julie's games, she'd received pictures that were even more suggestive. But back then, she trusted Herman completely-doubting him never even crossed her mind.

Now? She hesitated. Things had changed. This wasn't the same Herman anymore. He didn't remember her at all. Whatever might have happened between him and Sandy seemed almost understandable, in a sad kind of way.

She didn't reply to Sandy's message. Ignoring it was her best move. No way was she going to let Sandy get a rise out of her-she wasn't about to hand over her feelings that easily. That would just let Sandy win.

Meanwhile, in Willowbrook, Sandy stared at her phone, annoyed. Still no response from Anastasia. It felt like throwing a punch and hitting nothing but air.

Was Anastasia really this unbothered?

Sandy wished she had something juicier to send, something that would really make Anastasia lose her cool. But this shirtless photo was all she had-snapped ages ago when she'd sneaked into the bathroom while Herman was showering, catching him off guard.

Anastasia let out a frustrated sigh and looked up at the night sky. The evening was beautiful, stars scattered everywhere.

Just then, Tavon came up to the rooftop garden, carrying a bottle of liquor and a bowl of peanuts. The two of them bumped into each other and paused, surprised.

Tavon raised an eyebrow. "Ana, why aren't you in bed yet?"

She pulled herself together. "Dad, you're up too."

He gave a resigned sigh, sat down across from her, and twisted open the bottle. "How can I sleep? Just thinking about your mom and that Adam guy-keeps me up at night."noveldrama

"Adam?" Anastasia asked, puzzled.

"Yeah, that guy with the last name Liu. Honestly, Ana, your mom's taste in men... I mean, look at me-handsome as I am, I never could fix her taste. Now she's dating someone who's short, round, and dark as a lump of coal. When they dance together, it's like she's hugging a gorilla."

Anastasia couldn't help but laugh, her bad mood lifting a bit. "Dad, you're exaggerating. But you're right about one thing-Mom's taste in men is questionable. Twenty-eight years ago, she must've been blind."

If she hadn't been, would she have picked Tavon in the first place?

Tavon caught the dig and faked outrage. "Hey! Is that any way to talk about your old man?"

"If you weren't my dad, I wouldn't even bother teasing you," Anastasia shot back. Then she softened. "Dad, let Mom go. You took up

twent eight years of her life-don't dragut out any longer. Let he be happy."

Tavon just grumbled, popping a peanut in his mouth and taking a burning swig of liquor. The drink went down hot, stinging all the way.

“Still,” he muttered, “I just can't stand that Adam guy. I'm telling you, Ana, men can spot these things-he's bad news. Try talking your mom into picking someone else."

That gave Anastasia pause. Was her mom's new boyfriend really that bad? Maybe Tavon didn't mind her moving on he just didn't like Adam.

"I'll talk to Mom," she promised. "I'll ask her to introduce me to Adam. I want to see for myself. Dad, you're way too biased-I can't just take your word for it."

Sandy's drama could wait. Anastasia tucked Tavon's warning away in her mind. If her mother's happiness was on the line, she had to check things out herself.

Meanwhile, Pattie's birthday party was coming together.

Katelyn was at the hotel, taste-testing the menu, determined that everything would be perfect. She'd even invited Autumn along-they got along well these days, always finding excuses to hang out.

The hotel brought out eight dishes to sample. Katelyn turned to Autumn. "Well? What do you think?"

Autumn shrugged. "Tastes good. Everything's fresh." She didn't really care how the party turned out; honestly, if it flopped, she wouldn't mind.

Katelyn smiled at the hotel manager. "Let's keep all these dishes. And for dessert, fruit, and seafood-use the freshest ingredients you can find. Price doesn't matter. This is my eldest granddaughter's birthday, and it has to be perfect."

The manager grinned. "Of course, Mrs. Salstrom. We'll take care of everything."

Katelyn finally relaxed. "Bring out the wine. Let's try it, too."

While Katelyn was busy, Autumn slipped out for a breather. As she stepped into the hallway, she spotted a familiar

figure Anastasia-walking down the corridor, a man following close behind, both moving like they didn't want to be seen.