The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Cynthia's blunt question caught Salma off-guard. In the past, she would've just laughed it off and changed the subject.

But this time, Salma was straightforward. "Yeah, I'm still not over what happened last time."

Cynthia was momentarily speechless.

"Hey sis," Cynthia said, gripping Salma's hand earnestly, "You gotta promise you won't scare me like that. You've never been one to hold grudges. Oh, by the way, is Mr. Salstrom around? Heard he and Ana are planning a wedding. Sounds dreamy." "He's in the den, chatting with Dr. James," Salma replied. "We really lucked out with him; he's head over heels for Ana. You know the saying, 'What's meant to be will always find a way.""

Cynthia, green with envy, thought to herself, 'Show off much? So you snagged a rich son-in-law. Big deal.'

Despite her inner turmoil, Cynthia managed to say with feigned enthusiasm, "You're absolutely right, sis. That's just how it goes."

Cynthia kept the conversation going, showing no signs of leaving. As they talked, the sky grew darker, and rain began to fall.

Salma, ever the gracious host, invited her to stay for dinner. Cynthia accepted without hesitation, "Sure, it's been ages since we caught up. Chatting with you eases my mind." Feeling a bit awkward and knowing Tavon's medicinal bath was due, Salma excused herself, "I need to check on Tavon in the treatment room. Make yourself at home, sis." "Don't mind me, I'm as comfy here as I am in my own house," Cynthia replied, showing no hint of formality.

Once Salma left, Cynthia casually made her way to the den.

Herman sat on the couch, a half-smoked cigarette in hand. He took a drag, but quickly lost interest and stubbed it out in the ashtray.

Cynthia's eyes lit up at the sight of the cigarette butt-a perfect sample.

Herman and his company showed no signs of leaving, so Cynthia had to wait.

James, who knew his way around the streets, was a potential source of information about Dailey's recent run-ins.

"Herman, I have no idea how many people you've ticked off," James said. "But you don't have to go snake hunting yourself."

"This is no ordinary snake," Herman replied gravely. "I haven't quite figured out their agenda yet."

James shifted the conversation, "You've got your wedding in September, less than four months away. You should focus more on that."

After a sip of tea, Herman teased, "You're not getting any younger. Should I set you up with someone?"

James quickly declined, "No thanks, I'm planning on living a few more years. Staying single seems to be the key to longevity."

Herman smirked, "Use it or lose it, Doc. You should know that better than anyone."

James shot back, "..."

Dailey laughed, earning him a glare from James. "You're one to talk, old virgin," James retorted.

Dailey, surprised, asked, "Dr. James, how do you know I'm still a virgin?"

As James stood up, he replied, "I'm a doctor, I can tell these things with one look."

Dailey, curious, pressed, "How can you tell? Teach me."

"You're not my apprentice," James stated, walking away. "I've got a promising student to mentor."

After James left, Herman went upstairs to find Ana, and Dailey went off to his own business.

Cynthia, seizing the opportunity, pocketed the cigarette butt from the ashtray.

The housekeeper, who came in to clean, was puzzled, "Ma'am, why are you taking that cigarette butt? I can clean it up. You're a guest; you shouldn't have to lift a finger." Cynthia, feeling guilty, forced a laugh and quickly made up an excuse, "I'm just so used to cleaning up at home; I can't help myself. I'll take care of it."

Worried the housekeeper might take the cigarette butt from her, Cynthia hurried off, already planning her next move to obtain a sample from Pattie. The housekeeper found it strange why would anyone want to pocket something as dirty as a cigarette butt?

As the housekeeper tidied up the coffee table, Ana came down the stairs: "Could you please prepare a fruit platter and bring it up to the study?" "Of course, Mrs. Salstrom," the new housekeeper replied, eager to please the lady of the house.noveldrama

As Ana headed back upstairs, the housekeeper added, "Oh, Mrs. Salstrom, your aunt was a bit odd just now. She walked off with a cigarette butt."

Ana, puzzled but not overly concerned, continued on her way, leaving the housekeeper to her tasks and the mysteries of the day.