The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

A single word, "okay," hung in the air, and Herman knew exactly what it meant. It was his commitment to the Salstrom family.

Feiman and Herman let go simultaneously, and the kitchen knife clattered to the ground, its blade splattered with blood that bloomed like tiny flowers. Herman couldn't hold on any longer. Darkness closed in, and he fainted.

His weakness came from the relentless bleeding and the exhaustion from days of emotional turmoil. Every ounce of strength had left him, completely drained. "Son!" Katelyn rushed to Herman's side, shouting to Dailey, "Get the car! We need to get to the hospital, now!"

Flynn steadied Feiman. "Dad."

Feiman's palm was deeply cut, his hand spasming from the pain, but his concern was still for his son. "Look after your brother first. I'm fine."

Chaos erupted among the Salstroms. Dailey hoisted Herman up and dashed outside, while Collin snapped to and hurried to start the car.

Once Herman and Feiman were loaded into the vehicles, Flynn stormed back into the family hall. Facing down the so-called elders, he said with surprising firmness, "Whatever schemes you've got in mind, cut them out now. The Salstrom line isn't finished, not by a long shot, and Elysian Technologies isn't up for grabs. As for tonight's events, if a single word leaks out, I swear, the Salstrom family will strip you of everything you have. And anyone who tries to stir trouble will be erased from our family tree. Don't believe me? Just try us." This was a new side of Flynn, typically carefree and shielded by Herman, living the life of a rich heir. No matter the crisis, Herman had always been there to shoulder it, shielding Flynn from the slightest storm.

But in the moment Herman collapsed, Flynn realized he had to man up, bear the weight of the Salstrom family, and protect Elysian Technologies for his brother.

Dropping this bombshell, Flynn too headed for the hospital. Just as he stepped out of Salstrom Manor, he bumped into Pattie, who had taken a cab on her own.

"Uncle Flynn! Uncle Flynn! Where's my dad? Mom's going to jail, and I need my dad to save her," Pattie said, rushing over as she got out of the cab.

"My dear child, what are you doing here?" Flynn was surprised to see Pattie. He hardly had time to look after her now and said, "Go back home, don't make things more complicated here. Kids shouldn't worry about adult problems."

But Pattie was stubborn, clutching Flynn's sleeve, her eyes red and on the verge of tears. "I want to see my dad. They say mom's gonna get the chair, and I don't want her to die."

"Pattie, listen to me, your mom's going to be okay. Trust your uncle. I'll have someone take you home," Flynn said, unable to explain further to a child who couldn't grasp the adult world.

Pattie dug in her heels, her stubbornness a mirror image of Herman's. "Where's my dad? I want to see him today, or I'm not leaving."

"Ah, my little tyke, your dad... he's in a bit of a bind himself right now..."

Before he could finish, Monica and Gianna arrived.

Seeing Flynn, they hurried over. "Flynn, where's Herman? I need to talk to him, to settle Ana's situation."

Realizing the truth couldn't be contained, Flynn spoke, "My brother's been taken to the hospital. As for your sister's situation, don't worry. He's already handled it. She'll be released in a few days." The news of Herman being in the hospital alarmed Gianna. "What happened to Herman?"

Monica shot Gianna a curious glance. Gianna was Anastasia's cousin; why was she so concerned about Herman instead of Anastasia?

But Monica didn't dwell on it, perhaps it was just a reflex to ask when hearing someone was hospitalized.

Flynn sighed, "My brother, to settle things with the Salstroms and to prevent my dad from appealing, stabbed himself. He's also agreed to divorce Ana, so they're square." "What?"

"What?"

Monica and Gianna were shocked, speaking in unison.

Monica was surprised by the divorce, and Gianna was taken aback that Herman had injured himself.noveldrama

Gianna couldn't contain her concern. "Which hospital is your brother at? How bad is he hurt?"