The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Even the slightest hint of doubt was enough to make Herman bend over backwards for anything Anastasia wanted. It was just a simple verification, no big deal. Dailey got on it right away.

Meanwhile, Julie, fresh out of the beauty salon, headed to the outskirts of Riverdale to meet at the old reservoir. Asher's car was parked by the roadside. Julie walked up, asking, "Asher, what's up? Why did you call me here?"

"I've been made, Julie. My cover's blown and I need to lay low away from Riverdale for a while," Asher said, taking a puff of his cigar. "You've got two choices: either you come with me and keep a low profile, or you stay and risk getting caught." A wave of panic hit Julie. "Leave Riverdale? To where?"

"To a place off the grid," Asher replied, smoke curling around him. "There, neither the cops nor Herman can touch you."

"When can we come back?" Julie asked, her voice tinged with reluctance. "Anastasia's about to have her baby any day now. If I leave, she wins."

Since her escape nearly a year ago, living in constant fear, the sound of sirens always put her on edge, and sleepless nights had become the norm. Her health had taken a turn for the worse, leading to a grim diagnosis a week ago-cervical cancer.

With time running out, her desperation to see Anastasia's downfall intensified, unwilling to leave Riverdale now. "You're better off staying away for a few years," Asher suggested.

"That's not gonna happen. I can't wait that long," Julie refused flatly. "Asher, I'm staying. Whatever happens next, I'll face it."

"Do you really hate Herman and Anastasia that much?" Asher was genuinely surprised. He had his own grudges but never at the cost of his safety. "Better to live to fight another day, right?"

"Yes, I do. I wish them the worst," Julie seethed, her fists clenched, eyes blazing with anger. "They're the reason for my misery. If I'm going down, I'm taking them with me. Asher, I don't care why you helped me escape before, but now, I just want to stay and finish what I started."

Reluctant to lose such a committed ally, Asher made her a deal. "I'll give you a day to do what you have to. If the cops don't catch you, I'll get you out of Riverdale."noveldrama

"Fine." Julie, aware of Asher's power, didn't dare push her luck.

As Asher drove off, Julie stood alone by the reservoir, ignoring the text from Anastasia. Without Asher, her protection was gone; time was running out. From her recent meeting, she guessed Anastasia didn't know her true identity. It was worth one last gamble. Julie texted back: "Okay, Anastasia."

Tomorrow, she was determined to end Anastasia, driven by a hatred that wouldn't let her rest otherwise.

Upon receiving Julie's reply, Anastasia immediately informed Herman: "Kayleigh's in for shopping tomorrow."

"Keep her on the hook. I'll have Dailey handle it," Herman said, ready to uncover more about Asher through this woman.

The night dragged on, with Anastasia eager for morning.

Julie, resolved to her fate, couldn't stop thinking about her son Daria. She messaged Joseph: "Meet tonight, same spot. Bring your boy."

She longed for one last look at her son.

Joseph's curt reply: "Busy."

Julie's wish to see her son depended on Joseph's whims - his time, not hers. Undeterred, she tried a different approach, hinting at wearing his favorite black stockings.

Joseph, amused, teased her: "Show up naked, and maybe I'll think about it."

Julie, seething but powerless, cursed under her breath. Realizing Joseph wouldn't meet, she resigned to her plan, focusing on the grim day ahead.