The Bound Between Us

Chapter 484

Julie's fingers traced her swelling belly as she watched the news flicker on the TV screen. A dark flash of resolve cut through her eyes, fueled by the insults Joseph and Herman had thrown her way. "Dad, I'll follow your lead," Julie said through clenched teeth. "I'm going to be the lady of the Salstrom estate. I'll make sure we're the ones calling the shots."

"That's the spirit, Jules," Devin said confidently, his mind already spinning with grander schemes. "Keep your cool for now. I'll smooth things over with Joseph. He's just a bastard son craving recognition from the Salstroms. He needs this opportunity as much as we do." The news of Herman and his wife Anastasia's divorce brought joy to more than just Julie.

Gianna, catching the broadcast, felt a surge of delight. Finally, Herman was free.

And then there was Cynthia, nearly jumping for joy. "Gianna, did you catch the news? Anastasia and Herman are divorced! This is fantastic-your chance has arrived. Make sure you're a fixture at the hospital these days, show some care for your future son-in-law. And get in good with your future mother-in-law. Mrs. Salstrom's in a fragile state and could use some comforting." Cynthia spoke as if Gianna's entry into the Salstrom family was a done deal.

Gianna, tasting the sweetness of the idea, said, "Mom, I've got to step out. Now that Herman's single, I need to deal with Joey Edmunds. I'll pay him a visit at the nursing home."

Gianna was desperate to reclaim her single status.

She drove straight to the nursing home where Joey lay paralyzed, neglected to the point of developing sores and emitting a foul stench. In just half a year, he had withered to skin and bones. Approaching his door, Gianna already smelled the stench and covered her nose, fighting nausea as she entered. "Hey Joey, came to see you."

at the sight of

instructed the staff to do the bare minimum for

word, Joey's days were hellish. Neglected, he'd soil himself and wait hours

the pitiful sight of Joey, Gianna tsked. "If I were you, I'd bite my

Joey spat with venom. "I'll live to see you get what's coming

"I'm tired of this game, Joey. Thumbprint here, we divorce, and

was surprised she was letting him go. "What's

and you don't deserve a spot in my life." Gianna pressed his thumb into the ink and onto

sneered, "This place reeks. I can't stand another second here.

he overheard the staff gossiping about Herman's divorce. Gianna had been waiting for Herman to be

hollow, a shell of her former

awaken in the hospital, causing panic and international doctors