The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Julie's voice had a tinge of irony to it. She'd become a shell of her former self, all thanks to the Salstrom family. She loathed every single one of them.

Gritting her teeth, Julie demanded, "What's the next move, Connor? I can't wait any longer."

"What's the hurry?" Rowan shot back. "Elysian Technologies isn't going to fall apart overnight. Connor's put in a lot of effort, and all he managed to do was make Herman lose some pocket change." "Money means nothing to Herman," Julie spat. "He's obsessed with Anastasia. Destroy her, and he'll really know what pain is."

Rowan smirked, "Are you trying to tell me how to do my job?"

Julie, momentarily taken aback, stammered, "I'm just trying to help."

"Connor's goal is to dismantle Elysian Technologies and ruin Herman completely-not to get involved in your personal vendettas," Rowan said coldly.

Julie muttered, "Elysian Technologies is worth billions. It won't collapse that easily."

"Even the fiercest tiger has its weak moments," Rowan replied. "Going after Herman directly is tough, so the best strategy is to start with Anastasia and Flynn. Distract Herman with Anastasia, and hit Flynn when he's vulnerable. We'll get double the results for half the effort."

Julie's heart raced with excitement. "What should I do?"

"Elysian Technologies has a new medical equipment project. Connor had you study this for a reason," Rowan explained. "Your job is to lead Flynn down a criminal path."

"Do you want me to seduce Flynn?" Julie asked, not thrilled with the idea.

Rowan laughed, "Don't flatter yourself. You're overestimating your appeal."

"Then what exactly am I supposed to do?"

"You'll find out soon enough," Rowan answered, adding a stern warning, "And don't go looking for trouble with Anastasia on your own."

Julie eyed Rowan suspiciously, "Why do I feel like you're protecting Anastasia?"noveldrama

"I'm protecting Connor's interests, not hers," Rowan said, trying to hide his nervousness. "I need to step out. You better stay put."

After Rowan left, Julie went to her room to rest. She had just changed when her phone rang with an unknown number. Curiosity won, and she answered. Hearing the familiar voice on the other end, Julie nearly dropped her phone in shock.

It was Joseph's voice.

Joseph, intrigued by Julie, had gotten her number from Mr. Jarod and decided to call her.

Julie quickly hung up. On the other end, Joseph smirked, enjoying the chase.

As night deepened, Pattie was still missing. Anastasia couldn't find peace not knowing where Pattie was.

Anastasia sat alone in Pattie's room, staring at her clothes, lost in thought. The idea of Pattie being harmed sent chills down her spine.

Downstairs, she heard a car engine shutting off-it was Herman returning.

Anastasia rushed downstairs, not even bothering to put on shoes.

"Did you find Pattie?" she asked as soon as she saw Herman. "Where's Pattie?"

Herman shook his head gravely, "No luck. The police are still searching."

At his words, Anastasia's tears flowed freely. "Who could've taken her? Could it be Julie? She hates us so much; it must be her."

The thought of Pattie in Julie's clutches terrified Anastasia even more.

"Anastasia, don't let your imagination run wild," Herman comforted her, wrapping her in his arms. "Let's wait a little longer."

Just then, the nanny walked in, "Sir, I found a box at the front door and brought it in. Is it a delivery for us?"

The nanny held a tightly sealed box.

Anastasia stared at the box, her mind racing with dreadful possibilities.

Herman also had a bad feeling. He took the box-it was heavy.

He reassured Anastasia with a gentle pat on the shoulder before cutting open the box with scissors.

As they peeled back the layers of packaging, a stream of crimson blood seeped from the box, a sight both horrifying and sinister.

Anastasia, overwhelmed by fear and dread, felt her legs give way beneath her as she whispered, "Pattie... Pattie..."