The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia was completely zoned out from whatever Colton was droning on about. Her mind was stuck on the incident with Pattie and her hair being pulled out.

Holding Pattie's hair, who was Cynthia planning to see? Anastasia felt like she was on the edge of discovering some big truth, but it was maddeningly just out of reach. The more she thought about it, the more it annoyed her. Cynthia wouldn't get tangled up in Pattie's affairs for no reason. Anastasia went over the past few months but couldn't find anything odd about Cynthia or any situation that might link her to Pattie's origins.

"Ana, I'm really pleading with you here," Colton said, practically bowing. "If you can't let Gianna off the hook, at least think about reducing her sentence a bit."

"Uncle, since you're being upfront, I'll be honest too," Anastasia replied. "Sure, Auntie and my mom were sisters, and yes, Gianna and I have had our issues. We've gotten closer recently, and seeing her deal with her divorce and the Edmunds family's bullying, I've stood up for her. I've done my part. But she hurt my kids, and you can't deny that."

Colton looked down, guilt written all over his face. He couldn't argue with her.

Every mother fights for her kids, seeking justice. It's not about who's more righteous.

"Gianna's actions were inexcusable," Colton admitted. "Ana, I understand your anger, your pain. It's only natural. Whatever punishment Gianna faces, she brought on herself."

Unable to offer any more pleas, Colton acknowledged the gravity of Gianna's actions. Pattie was left mute, her life forever changed.

Seeing Colton's fair approach, Anastasia added, "You mentioned Auntie knows who Pattie's real father is, but she hasn't told me. At my wedding, she was quick to spread rumors and smear me and Pattie. If you're truly sincere, give me the truth. Maybe then, I'll think about reducing Gianna's sentence."

"Shame on me... Alright, I'll ask your Auntie and get back to you as soon as I find anything."

"Thanks, Uncle." Anastasia asked the nanny to see him out.

After Colton left, Anastasia sat alone on the couch, pondering. A DNA test needed samples from two people. Whose hair did Cynthia take besides Pattie's?

She didn't suspect Herman. In her mind, their relationship was just a chance meeting at a coffee shop, where they mistook each other for a blind date.

Pattie was born years before she met Herman. Plus, Herman never mentioned any fling at Neon Dreams years ago. From Anastasia's viewpoint, linking him to Pattie seemed absurd.

While Anastasia was caught up in her thoughts, Julie heard about her father Devin's death and was determined to see him one last time.

Asher blocked her way. "Going now is asking for trouble. The cops will be waiting, especially with your dad's passing. Herman and they'll expect you to show up."

"That's my dad. I'm his daughter. Can't I say goodbye?" Julie snapped back.

"You think you're playing the perfect daughter now? Forgot how close you were to getting caught last night? Herman's guys are onto you. You really think you're safe?" Asher sneered. "Then get me a new identity. I just want to see him, that's all..."

"Foolish." Asher was so frustrated he almost hit her but stopped himself. "Just wait a bit longer."

Julie exploded. "That's all you ever say. Wait for what? Until Anastasia's kids are born? I can't wait anymore. Either let me see my dad or help me get rid of Anastasia."noveldrama

"You're not the center of the universe," Asher shot back coldly. "You're just a debt Devin left behind."

"What do you mean? My dad? You knew my dad?"