The Bound Between Us

Chapter 501

Anastasia Jewell couldn't resist dropping the bombshell with a glint of mischief in her eyes.

She was testing the waters, curious to see how Julie Brown would react to the mention of Grandma Anita's passing.

At the mention of Grandma Anita, a flicker of guilt and dread flashed through Julie's eyes-a telltale sign of a secret teetering on the brink of exposure.

Recalling her cousin Devin's advice, Julie steadied her nerves and retorted, "I've had dreams, you know. I dreamt of Grandma Anita, restless in her grave, lamenting how her killer walks free. You're the murderer, Anastasia. You belong in the fiery pits, keeping her company."

Julie was a master of disguise, her face a mask that betrayed nothing, even under Anastasia's scrutinizing gaze.

Anastasia leaned in closer, her voice laced with a calculated chill. She thought of Jason and the lack of progress in the case, and decided it was time to rattle the snake before her.

"Yeah, Grandma Anita sure didn't rest in peace," she taunted. "Who would've thought she'd die at the hands of the person she trusted the most? Right, Ms. Brown?" Julie's facade cracked at that.

Her face went ghostly pale as she stumbled backward, eyes wide with shock. Anastasia's words had hit too close to home, stirring the guilt that Julie harbored within. This time, Anastasia caught every flicker of emotion across Julie's face, a wave of triumph washing over her. If Julie was rattled, then the suspicions were likely true.

Anastasia seized Julie's hand, her gaze piercing. "Ms. Brown, what are you scared of? You look sick. You'd better take care of yourself, especially with a baby on the way. Wouldn't want to wake up one morning to another loss, now would we?"

Even without concrete evidence, Anastasia's instincts told her that Julie's past manipulations around Grandma Anita weren't innocent. And Anastasia had no qualms about pushing those buttons.

With every word, Anastasia seemed to stomp on Julie's tail, leaving her desperate to escape the confrontation.

"I-I don't understand what you're saying," Julie stammered, pulling away and feigning composure. "Rest assured, I'll bring my child into this world safely. Not everyone gets what's coming to them like you, Anastasia." Anastasia's response was a cold, mocking smile. "How magnanimous of you, Ms. Brown."

her piercing eyes too much to bear. She left the dessert untouched

you don't want people to

those words

pace,

snake you've been

her message. Anastasia was never one to hold back, but

that afternoon, after buying a cake, Anastasia picked up little Pattie from daycare and headed to the restaurant Cynthia had

palpably. Her reputation as an accused murderer preceded her, and Cynthia's relative didn't hesitate to confront her: "Cynthia, why do you still associate with her? She's a murderer, aren't you afraid of the trouble she might bring?" Anastasia had seen these faces before when she

who had weathered the storm of prison, was

a smile. "Aunt Cindy, happy birthday! May

not fond of Cynthia, dutifully wished her a happy

a painted-on smile, then casually inquired about

off work yet, but she'll be here soon,"

of being paraded around by relatives, called Anastasia

soon as Anastasia joined her, the relative who had been busy matchmaking for Gianna

played noisily, but Pattie remained quiet, aloof

"Was that your aunt trying to set you up just

since my divorce, matchmakers have been practically knocking

things going with that guy from Montgomery? It's been a while, and you promised to introduce us, yet we've

further. She sat back, cracking open sunflower seeds, sharing some fruit with

dining room,