The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Human nature is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma. Sometimes, folks genuinely wish you well. But when disaster strikes, their kicks while you're down are just as real. People are drawn to self-interest like moths to a flame. If Anastasia hadn't married into the Salstrom dynasty, hadn't risen above Cynthia's family in social standing, maybe the green-eyed monster of envy would have stayed at bay. The chilly bonds of kinship might've endured a little longer. Cynthia hailed a cab to Southridge Estates to find Salma, while Gianna drove off to the police station.

Southridge Estates.

Salma was beside herself with worry. She longed to check on the situation at the police station, but Pattie was home, and the thought of the child grappling with the harsh truth was unbearable. Even Salma's phone calls were a covert operation, designed to keep Pattie in the dark.

She dialed Monica's number, learning she was on her way to the station. That bit of news offered a smidgen of relief. On the phone, she implored, "Monica, darling, the moment you hear anything, you call me, okay? After you check on Ana, swing by my place." "Sure thing, Aunt Salma. Just keep your chin up. I'm on it," Monica assured her. "I've rung up Herman, but it's still murky over at the Salstroms'. If things go south, I'll get Ana the best lawyer in town."

Tears rimmed Salma's eyes as she thanked Monica, her voice quivering. "Thank you, my dear. I don't know what to do... she's my only daughter."

The sound of Pattie descending the stairs forced a quick end to the call.

Pattie, clutching a teddy bear, stood on the staircase and asked, "Grandma, why isn't Mommy back yet? Didn't Daddy find her?"

Salma fought back her tears, mustering a faltering smile. "Pattie, darling, Mommy's away on a trip, she'll be back once she's done. Are you hungry? Grandma will make you some mac 'n' cheese." Pattie shook her head. "Grandma, did something happen to Mommy? Can I call her?"

The skepticism in Pattie's eyes cut through Salma's ruse.

With a painted-on smile, Salma insisted, "Silly girl, why won't you trust Grandma? Your mom's gone abroad. She can't take calls on the plane. Daddy's taking her on a little getaway. Now, be a good girl and play upstairs. I'll fix us some food." "Grandma," Pattie's voice was tender, her eyes clear and questioning.

Gazing at Pattie's innocent face, a wave of guilt washed over Salma. She couldn't possibly reveal the cruel truth to such a young soul.

"Off you go, sweetheart," Salma said, waving Pattie back upstairs as she fought the tears threatening to fall.

Once Pattie was out of sight, Salma surrendered to her sorrow, tears cascading down her cheeks. She slumped onto the couch, clutching her chest, fearing the worst for Anastasia.

It was Tavon Morton she thought of next, hastily dialing his number. "Tavon, Ana's in trouble. The police have taken her in. Can you do anything to help?"

The online frenzy about Anastasia's alleged crime had been mostly quelled, but Tavon was still in the loop. He was already on his way to Southridge Estates.

"I'm aware, Salma. It's a sticky situation, too complex for a phone call. I'm heading over to you now; we'll talk in person. By the way, have you checked in with Herman? What's his take?"noveldrama

Tavon wasn't about to give up on Anastasia. As long as there was a sliver of hope for turning things around, he wouldn't back down. After all, what he truly couldn't bear to lose was the support of the Salstrom empire.

He was in a state of panic, too. If Anastasia went down, all his newly tasted successes, the projects he'd started, and the money he'd poured in could crumble. The investors had come on board because of the Salstrom name. If Anastasia fell, and they pulled their funding, Tavon would be ruined.

Naturally, Tavon's last wish was for any harm to come to Anastasia.

And Herman's stance was pivotal.

Unaware of Tavon's underlying motives, Salma found some comfort in his apparent concern for his daughter.

"I've called my son-in-law. He told me not to worry, but he said nothing else. I'm at a loss," Salma admitted.

The pieces of their lives, tangled in webs of lies and truth, lay in the hands of fate and the unyielding currents of human nature.