The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

After having her baby, Julie went through extensive cosmetic surgery, making her look like a completely different person. As she glared at the TV, bitterness etched on her face. The Browns had hit rock bottom, with Devin declaring bankruptcy and vanishing. Rowan walked over and handed her an invitation. "This is your way in a wedding invite. You're Kayleigh now, a medical equipment sales rep, not some pampered heiress. Your eyes are the giveaway. If you let Herman catch on, you can kiss your new life goodbye." For the past month, Asher had hired a coach to transform Julie completely, changing both her looks and her identity. Today, she'd attend a wedding as the date of a high-powered exec, a test of her transformation.

Julie slipped the invitation into her bag, flashing a cunning smile. "Don't worry, I'll make the most of this chance."noveldrama

Now, every move she made was dripping with seduction. A glance or a smile from her could captivate any man. Asher had spent a fortune on her training. Beauty alone wouldn't hold a man's interest; knowing their weaknesses would.

The wedding was packed with guests. Cynthia, dressed to the nines, eagerly introduced herself as the bride's great-aunt. While she was indeed related, her attitude left much to be desired.

In a striking red dress, she mingled with the crowd like she was the bride's mother. Salma, the actual mother, excused herself, looking pale and eager to escape.

Cynthia was intentionally getting under Salma's skin, trailing her and loudly chatting about the guests: the banker's wife, the textile factory owner, the spice mogul... Salma forced a strained smile and said nothing.

Cynthia teased, "What's wrong, sis? I'm just helping out. No need for the long face. Think I'm stealing your spotlight?"

"No, not at all," Salma mumbled, too timid to admit it.

"You're my sister, and Anastasia is my niece. Of course, as the great-aunt, I'd help out. These wealthy ladies won't warm up to your shy ways. With me here, you can relax a bit, right?"

Feeling cornered, Salma muttered an excuse about needing the restroom and fled.

Cynthia, unable to follow, scanned the room and spotted Pattie. Her words dripped with spite. "Lucky girl, living the high life without even knowing her real dad, calling Herman 'Dad' and playing the Salstrom family princess." Pattie, with her stunning looks and perfect manners, was the center of admiration.

One guest remarked, "Doesn't that child look a lot like Herman?"

"I thought the same. Those eyes and brows are so similar."

"Maybe she really is Herman's daughter."

Cynthia, overhearing, panicked at the thought of Pattie's real parentage being revealed. She quickly added, "You mean Pattie? Poor girl, she grew up without a father. My niece doesn't even know who the father is. I'm the bride's great-aunt, and to this day, Pattie doesn't know her own dad. Such a pity, isn't it?"