The Bound Between Us

Chapter 616

Monica was letting loose with a tirade that could strip paint. If Gianna were here, her language would probably make a sailor blush.

Back when things were good, Gianna was a regular at Monica's salon, taking advantage of a generous friends' discount and all sorts of perks. Who would've thought such a sweet-seeming person could harbor such venom? Monica was beside herself with frustration. "Ana, is there really no way to fix Pattie's voice? Isn't James supposed to be a pro? He's her mentor, for crying out loud. Can't he do something?"

Anastasia shook her head. "I've talked to James. He's exhausted all options."

"Just like that, a healthy person is voiceless? Pattie's future is wrecked," Monica fumed, anxiety seeping through her anger.

"Shhh, keep your voice down. We don't want Pattie to hear," Anastasia cautioned, glancing upstairs.

Pattie was playing with toys in her room, a sliver of normalcy amidst the chaos.

Monica quickly softened her tone, "Ana, now that Gianna's been caught and Pattie's safe, try not to dwell on it. Who knows, with advances in medicine, there might be a way to restore her voice. Anything's possible. And you need to take care of yourself, especially with the baby on the way."

"Yeah." Anastasia clung to hope for the future, grateful that Pattie was back where she belonged.

Monica asked, "Any updates on your brother-in-law's situation?"

yet," Anastasia replied. "Flynn's

figure something out, I'm sure. I talked to Jason, and it sounds like there's some leeway

asked, "You still in touch

and then..." Monica's words trailed off as her phone rang, Jason on the

a nervous laugh before picking up. Jason needed her help again, this time to check out some evidence

playfully grumbled about being used as a detective's nose, she agreed, "Alright, give me a

she proudly told Anastasia, "They sent me a

a rare smile. "Look at you, all proud. You

I'm off. Let me know if you

left, Anastasia heard a commotion

Anastasia hurried to scoop her up. "Mommy's here, Pattie, calm down, look at

scream, her voice lost to

until she saw the Peppa Pig toy flung in a

aside and softly reassured her, "Pattie, you're safe now. No one can hurt you. Come

them wrapped in a moment of shared