The Bound Between Us

Chapter 698

Wendy suddenly found herself at the center of a scandal. The dramatic turn of events left the high society ladies feeling humiliated, wishing they could just disappear. Here they were, women in their fifties and sixties, having slandered a child. How could they show their faces now?

Nobody wanted to offend the Salstroms, so it wasn't long before one of the ladies stepped forward to chastise Wendy, "Wendy, what were you thinking? You spilled the water and scalded the Salstroms' little angel, and then you blame a child? You've deceived us all." Others chimed in, "Exactly, if you had just told the truth, none of this misunderstanding would have happened. Seeing Miss Pattie so wronged was heartbreaking."

Just moments ago, they were casually calling her Pattie, not even bothering with her full name. Now, it was Miss Pattie. Such a shift, typical of those seasoned in social circles.

Wendy was mortified, her face turning beet red. "I...I didn't mean to. I didn't know," she stammered, still making excuses.

Hunter's face darkened. He glanced at Herman, who hadn't said a word, understanding the message. He needed to make things right with the Salstrom family. His wife had slandered Herman's eldest daughter and scalded the youngest. This was unacceptable. In a fit of anger, Hunter slapped Wendy hard across the face, the sound echoing loudly. Wendy, her cheek stinging, looked at Hunter in shock.

right now. You've caused enough trouble. I wish I

slap not only humiliated Wendy but also diminished her standing in their social circle and within her own family. Through tears, Wendy sobbed

Pattie is my daughter. If anyone dares to spread rumors again,

that? Wendy and Hunter,

to underestimate Pattie, the illegitimate daughter. Katelyn realized how much

help but wonder, how could a biological child not compare to an outsider? Even

was set for more drama. Herman could silence rumors, but not the thoughts in people's hearts. With Herman's youngest still a child, the coming years would only bring more

some things couldn't be changed. Marrying into wealth with an illegitimate daughter meant both she and Pattie were destined to face public scrutiny. She could

She sent Pattie back to Southridge Estates with Liana, wanting to spare her from any gossip about her birth

started to arrive, including Alessia and Lauren Mill. It had been a while since Anastasia had seen them, and meeting them now felt different. Alessia was more reserved in her conversation with Anastasia, no