The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Dailey had been fuming ever since he lost track of Kayleigh. Over the past few months, he'd thrown all his energy into fixing that mistake. Now, he was holding a stack of photos showing Julie, who looked strikingly like Kayleigh, meeting with Asher. He was ready to lay his findings before his boss. "Boss, you were right. This Kayleigh is definitely one of Asher's crew," Dailey said, a vengeful edge in his voice. "We gave Asher a hard time before, and he's still asking for it. I think it's time we finish the job."

Herman browsed through the photos, his brow furrowed in deep thought. "Asher's a careful guy. He's surrounded himself with a squad of tough bodyguards. Getting close won't be easy."

"Kayleigh and Asher are thick as thieves," Dailey continued. "I found out Asher's living it up in a mansion in Eastgate. What's our move, boss?"

Herman had been playing the long game, waiting for the right moment. "He thinks he can pull the strings from behind the scenes? We'll flip the script on him. Keep a close watch, but don't rush."

Herman's patience was partly due to Anastasia's pregnancy. He wanted to wait until after the baby was born before making any bold moves against Asher.

"Got it, boss. I'll keep a close eye on them. And what about Devin? Should we keep tabs on him too?"

"Forget about Devin," Herman said, lighting a cigarette and glancing at the photos on his desk. "Any contact between Joseph and Asher?"

"None. And Kayleigh hasn't been spotted with Joseph for a while. Joseph's been cycling through women like it's a sport."

Dailey chuckled, unable to hide a hint of envy. "Boss, you gotta admit, Joseph's got some stamina."

Herman raised an eyebrow, "Who's to say it's not all for show?"

Dailey was momentarily speechless at Herman's sharp comment.

"Did you manage to grab anything personal from Kayleigh?" Herman was curious about Kayleigh's true identity, especially since Joseph had introduced her to his child.

"Boss, that's tricky. Kayleigh's like a ghost, hard to pin down. I managed one shot of her with Asher but someone always covers her tracks."

"Really? Asher's that protective of Kayleigh?" Herman was intrigued. "His girlfriend?"

"Could be," Dailey mused. "But if Kayleigh's getting cozy with Joseph too, isn't that a slap in the face for Asher?"

Herman tapped his fingers on the desk, deep in thought. "So, Asher has someone tailing Kayleigh every time she steps out. That's why you were spotted last time. Any luck finding her address?" "Not yet."

Just then, there was a knock on the door. Nelson stepped in, "Mr. Salstrom, the Mrs. is here."

Hearing Anastasia had arrived, Herman quickly stood up. "Where is she?"

"She's on her way up," Nelson informed him.

Herman hurried to the elevator, and as the doors opened, there stood Anastasia. "Were you heading out?"

She noticed Dailey and Nelson trailing behind Herman and figured they were leaving.

"No, I came to get you," Herman said, guiding Anastasia. "What brings you here? Shouldn't you be taking it easy?"

"Just needed to talk to you about something and see how you're doing," Anastasia replied.

Herman smiled warmly. "You're always welcome to check on me."

As they made their way to Herman's office, employees greeted them, admiring the couple's obvious affection for one another.

Once inside, Nelson and Dailey discreetly left, pulling the blinds and setting up refreshments.noveldrama

Anastasia settled into a chair, and Herman, ever attentive, propped a cushion behind her. "You could've just called; you didn't have to come all this way."

"I was nearby, having tea with Monica, and thought I'd stop by..." Anastasia's voice trailed off as her gaze landed on the photos spread across the desk - the images of Kayleigh and Asher together that Dailey had left behind.