The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia was trying to figure out who might be plotting against Tavon by observing people's reactions. After all, you needed solid evidence in these matters.

On the phone, Tavon, hearing Anastasia's voice, quickly said, "Ana, you need to get over to Willowbrook as soon as possible. We can't let the company fall into those siblings' hands. The Morton family started with a small brewery, and look at them now-turning everything upside down with their short videos and social media. Walking into the company gives me a headache-it's full of young folks posing and begging online, no different from panhandling on the streets."

Tavon was venting about Sandy and Sean's management style, his old-school mindset clashing with their modern ways.

Anastasia let Tavon rant without interrupting, putting him on speaker so Salma could also listen in.

Tavon continued passionately, "If this keeps up, decades of the Morton family's legacy will be trashed, and our reputation completely tarnished. I checked the storage-they're mixing knockoffs with the real products, totally ruining our brand. These live sales are no better than street hawkers shouting for attention..."

Listening to Tavon's frustrated tone, it was clear that his recent visit had hit him hard.noveldrama

Once Tavon finished, Anastasia patiently asked, "Now, with Morton Group's value rising and your role gone, do you have any other plans? Herman and I don't want to get involved; it could harm Elysian Technologies' reputation too."

"They're making quick money, but it won't last. If something goes wrong, the Morton family will burst like a bubble, disappearing overnight," Tavon sighed. "Ana, I know it's asking a lot of you and your husband, but think of it as helping your dad, okay?"

Scratching her head, Anastasia pondered for a moment before asking, "Earlier, you mentioned wanting to return to the company. Who reacted the most strongly?"

"Ashley-she was furious, almost tearing the house down." Tavon was too embarrassed to admit he had fought with Ashley, his face scratched up, nearly kicked out of the house, and now completely sidelined.

"Sean, that rascal, acted too quickly, taking over the company and bribing the executives."

Tavon tried reaching out to the former shareholders, but everyone advised him to retire and enjoy life.

Hearing it was Ashley, Anastasia frowned, "And what about Sandy's reaction?"

"Sandy was actually nice, trying to calm her mom down. That Sean, forcing me to choose between your mom and Ashley, even offering to take care of me in my old age. I don't need his charity; it's clear he doesn't want to step down," Tavon said, growing more agitated. Seeing Tavon so worked up, Anastasia said, "Dad, let's put this aside for now. Don't rush into anything. I'll call you back later, and don't be so stubborn. Remember what happened with your stroke."

She truly didn't want to get involved, not just to avoid trouble, but also to teach Tavon a lesson.

Tavon had enjoyed a life funded by Ashley, blessed with children, and now he wanted to rely on her and her mother again? That was too convenient.

Anastasia was now trying to ensure Tavon stayed alive, rather than getting into trouble again.

Mentioning the stroke made Tavon deflate like a balloon.

After hanging up, Tavon sat on the balcony smoking, reflecting on the decades he had spent managing his home, a mix of emotions swirling in his heart.

Smoking, Tavon chuckled self-deprecatingly. In his earlier years, he had been selfish, abandoning Salma and Anastasia for the sake of the Morton family's inheritance. Now, he was facing the consequences. Of his three children, only Anastasia, with her sharp tongue but soft heart, seemed to care about him. If he were to rely on Sandy and Sean, he might as well spend the rest of his life paralyzed in bed.

"Dad, still up?" Sandy entered with a smile, bringing him a cup of herbal tea. "Still angry with brother? Have some tea, calm down. We're all family here, no grudge should last overnight. Brother's actually doing quite well with the company, isn't this what you always wanted?"

Tavon glanced at the herbal tea, taking it but then setting it aside without a sip. "Sandy, you should take care of yourself, don't stay up too late. Girls need their rest."

"Dad, I'm worried about you. With you and brother at odds like this, our family isn't united. I miss how it used to be," Sandy held Tavon's hand. "Dad, Morton Group will still bear our name, not change. You can rest easy."

Hearing this, Tavon was taken aback, a look of surprise crossing his face as he turned to Sandy.