The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Salma was like a firecracker these days, ready to blow at the slightest spark. She used to hold sisterhood in high regard, but that ship had sailed.

Cynthia chimed in, "Look, I was just making a point. Why get all riled up? Maybe it's for the best that the kid's gone. She was a love child anyway. Ana can just have another baby with Herman. Keeping a love child around only fuels gossip." "Big sis, what are you even saying?" Salma snapped. "Just leave. I don't want to get into a shouting match with you. Whatever Ana chooses to do is her business. I'd appreciate it if you kept your opinions to yourself and stayed away." Salma showed her the door without a second thought.

Cynthia, feeling the sting of rejection, retorted, "Little sis, you think you're too good for your poor older sister now, huh? Kicking me out like this. I'm just trying to give you some friendly advice, and you take it the wrong way. Why would the child just vanish? It's because Anastasia's been too flashy, drawing envy, and that's why the kid got taken."

"Big sis, Pattie calls you 'Auntie,' and listen to how you talk about her. You've never liked Pattie, I know that. You called her a bastard behind our backs, said Ana would dump her once she had a little brother. Last time, you even yanked Pattie's hair. What kind of example are you setting as an elder, treating a child like that?"

Salma was furious, and years of pent-up frustration came pouring out.

Cynthia defended herself, "Well, it's not like I was wrong. Pattie's getting older and doesn't even know who her real father is. The Salstroms are a big, wealthy family. They're not a charity. Raising someone else's child... I just think Anastasia went too far. Herman marrying her was lucky for her. Marrying into the Salstroms while dragging along baggage is like slapping their family in the face."noveldrama

Cynthia knew Pattie's background well, but she relished the chance to rile up Salma.

Salma, her face turning a shade of steel blue with anger, said, "Big sis, is this really how you see Ana?"

Before Cynthia could respond, she spotted Katelyn approaching and quickly sidled up to her with a sugary smile. "Mother-in-law, you look absolutely stunning today. That outfit really suits you."

In Katelyn's presence, Cynthia instinctively groveled, acting subservient.

Katelyn had overheard Cynthia's earlier comments and saw right through her pretense and vanity, recognizing the jealousy at its core.

Was Cynthia's spite towards Anastasia and Salma born of anything but envy?

Katelyn, her face impassive, corrected her. "Mrs. Zhou, let's get one thing straight, we're not in-laws. And as for Anastasia bringing Pattie into the Salstrom family, we're delighted. She's contributing to our lineage, and I won't tolerate any gossip from outsiders." Cynthia, face flushed with embarrassment, forced a laugh. "Mother Anastasia, I was just speaking off the cuff."

"Words are free, but they can cost a lot," Katelyn replied firmly. "Pattie now bears the name Salstrom, and she's part of our family. We will find her. Mrs. Zhou, I suggest you leave now."

With that, Cynthia had no choice but to skulk away from the opulent Southridge Estates. At the gate, she spitefully spat on the ground and muttered under her breath, "Getting all high and mighty with a few bucks, looking down on people. Thinking you're a phoenix just because you've landed on a high branch. Deserves to lose the kid. For all you know, she might be dead already. Good luck with your search..."

Cynthia mumbled curses as she left.

Convinced that the Salstroms and the police had no leads, Cynthia felt a twisted sense of relief.

Yet, she couldn't help but wonder where Gianna had hidden the child. It had been three days. What if the little one starved?

For Anastasia, every passing minute was pure agony.

She scoured every corner of the hotel herself, questioning every staff member.

Unable to sit idly by, Anastasia clung to the slimmest hope that as long as she was searching, there was a chance.

She had combed through the hotel again, desperate for any clue, any sign that might lead her to Pattie, hoping against hope to see her daughter around the next corner, to hear a familiar voice call out "Mommy" and run into her arms. And then, as if her prayers had been answered, Anastasia heard it: "Mommy..."