The Bound Between Us

Chapter 788

Pattie's actions made Anastasia realize just how much of an impact Katelyn had on her granddaughter.

"Pattie," Anastasia called out as she approached quickly.

Katelyn looked a bit flustered when she saw Anastasia. "Oh, Ana, I was just talking with Pattie. I wasn't scolding her or anything."

"Mom, it's late. What are you doing here?" Anastasia asked, though she already knew.

Katelyn, a bit embarrassed, replied, "I just wanted to check on the kids and apologize to Pattie. Pattie, I'm your grandma, and I don't hold anything against you. Go have fun with your siblings."

Katelyn seemed to have softened, showing the kindness she had when they first met.

Pattie, surprised by the change, glanced at Anastasia for reassurance.

Anastasia said, "Pattie, why don't you let Grandma take the little ones to their room? It's getting late, and you've got school tomorrow. Miss Liana expects you at ten in the morning."

Anastasia made it clear she didn't want Katelyn taking the kids back to Salstrom Manor. She loved having all three children at home, making it lively. Katelyn was welcome to visit, but taking them away wasn't an option anymore.

politely. "Why don't you stay

Ana's mom, you go ahead and put the kids

just smiled awkwardly, realizing her polite offer was taken seriously. She

sat down, looking at her mom. "Mom, you must have noticed

a hint

visible. She sat down, fidgeting with her hands, unsure

I'm sorry. I owe you an apology," Katelyn said softly. "I honestly didn't know Pattie was Herman's daughter. No one ever told me. I've always seen how devoted you are to Herman. The first time I saw

a blend of emotions. These words, spoken now, couldn't undo the past prejudices that

"Ana, I might have said too much

truth, Anastasia's anger had faded, and she wasn't one to hold

Herman gone, it feels like we've all lost our anchor. You're carrying a burden, and so am I. It's good to talk about

just as much as I am. You've been holding everything together, running the household. Flynn isn't cut out for business, and your father, well, he's never been one to stick with responsibilities. It used

resolve her issues with Anastasia. Now, with things

opportunity. "You're always welcome to come

could visit but not take

hesitated but ultimately said nothing more,