The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Julie's call had a clear purpose nudging Grannie Anita into action.

With Herman out of town, the timing was perfect.

Grannie Anita was on her way back to the countryside when she got the call. She immediately told the driver to turn around and head back to Riverdale. Still, she didn't dare go back to Salstrom Manor and opted for a hotel instead. Grannie Anita also phoned Katie, urging her to move forward.

Meanwhile, at Eagle Corporation...

Joseph found Herman's sudden departure from Riverdale suspicious. He called in his secretary. "Find out about Herman's flight from Elysian Technologies. Where did he go? What happened?"

The secretary replied, "Mr. Salstrom, I've already looked into it. There was a factory fire at Elysian Technologies in Shanghai. Two-thirds of their goods were destroyed."

Hearing this, Joseph's senses sharpened. "What kind of goods?"

"New energy car batteries. I heard it caused five deaths. Elysian Technologies is suppressing the news. Should we spread it?"

Joseph's mind raced. "No, don't rush to spread the news. Someone else will handle that. Herman won't be able to deliver on time; he'll be desperate and look to his peers for help. We need to buy up all the goods before he does." "But Mr. Salstrom, we don't have enough liquid capital for that, and we're not in this industry. Who would we sell to?" the secretary pointed out.

"Just do as I say. Gather all available funds. We can negotiate the price." Joseph sensed an opportunity to hit Herman hard. If he could buy all the goods first, and then sell them to Herman at a high price, he'd come out on top. Joseph seized the chance, eager to best Herman for once.

Meanwhile, Julie also seized the moment, adding fuel to the fire on Grannie Anita's end. Unbeknownst to Anastasia, danger was sneaking up on her.

As night fell...

Katie, who had just received another call from Grannie Anita, was wavering.

Grannie Anita promised a million dollars and help buying a house for her daughter if she pulled this off.

Katie's daughter had a boyfriend, and they were talking about marriage. The boyfriend's family looked down on Katie's daughter because of the wedding house. They hinted that without half the down payment, her name wouldn't be on the deed.

If Katie could buy a house for her daughter now, it would give her daughter a better standing with her future in-laws.noveldrama

Sitting alone in her room, Katie clutched the abortion pills Grannie Anita had given her, her mind in turmoil.

Just then, Salma knocked on the door. "Katie? Katie?"

Hearing the voice, Katie quickly hid the pills under her pillow and straightened her clothes before opening the door. "What's up, Salma?"

Salma, being older, was often addressed as 'sister' by Katie.

Salma smiled, "I saw your light on and figured you couldn't sleep. Thought I'd come chat."

Katie quickly offered, "Okay, Salma. Want me to cut up some fruit for you?"

"No need, I ate too much at dinner. I'm still full." Salma laughed. "Don't stand on ceremony with me. We're about the same age and both have daughters. I've worked in hotel room service, washed dishes in restaurants, stocked shelves in supermarkets. I've had several jobs."

"You've had a tough life, Salma. But you're comfortable now," Katie replied.

"Thanks to Anastasia, I am." Salma beamed with pride at the mention of her daughter. She gestured to the couch. "Let's sit and chat. Maybe watch some TV."

"Sure." Katie wasn't shy; she couldn't sleep anyway.

As mothers, they had plenty to talk about.

Once they settled on the couch, Salma asked, "Katie, I overheard you on the phone this morning. Does your husband often hit you?"

Katie felt her face flush with embarrassment, her shame laid bare. She didn't know how to respond.

Clenching her hands, Katie struggled to find the words. "Occasionally."

"Katie, we're both women. I'm a single mom. I raised Anastasia by myself. I've learned that women need to have boundaries. Life is hard; if you're in a bad situation, you need to get out as soon as possible. Don't ruin the rest of your life." These words struck a chord with Katie. No one had ever spoken to her like this before. Over the years, she had grown accustomed to enduring.

Tears welled up in Katie's eyes. "Salma, it's not that I don't want to leave. It's for my daughter. I can't let him harass her. I can ruin my life, but I can't let him ruin hers."