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?"

replied.

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

asked, "You still in touch with

off as her phone rang, Jason on the other end. Talk

Jason needed her help again, this

she agreed, "Alright, give me a bit, I'll

"They sent me

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

me know

heard a commotion upstairs and rushed to see what

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

her voice

saw the Peppa Pig toy

tossed the toy aside and softly reassured her, "Pattie, you're safe now. No

Pattie calmed down and fell into Anastasia's arms, both of them wrapped in a moment of shared sadness.