The Bound Between Us

Chapter 808

"Herman's back!"

"It's really him-wow, he looks incredible!"

"It's him, it's really him!"

The crowd was buzzing, voices rising and falling in a wave of excitement. The air was thick with energy, the kind that makes your heart race and your skin tingle.

Anastasia saw him and ran, weaving through the crowd. Herman climbed down from the massive robot statue in the center of the square-something straight out of a city festival. As soon as he hit the ground, Anastasia flung herself into his arms. He caught her, holding her close.

For a second, Anastasia thought she might actually explode from happiness. She was shaking so hard she could barely stand, the adrenaline running wild in her veins. His scent—familiar, warm, the very essence of home-washed over her. He was really here.

She started crying tears of joy, unable to get a word out, just holding him as tightly as she could, like if she let go, he'd vanish.

All around them, the city watched. People at home, glued to their screens, felt their hearts squeeze and smiles break out. Even the grumpiest folks found themselves cheering.

The plaza erupted-cheers, whistles, pure celebration, as if the whole place had won the lottery.

Off to the side, a cab driver who'd lost a bet grumbled, "I knew I shouldn't have listened to Sandy and her big mouth. There goes my thousand bucks."

Everyone who'd bet on Herman's return was celebrating like they'd hit the jackpot.

Herman looked down at Anastasia in his arms. Even though everything in his head was a blur, the way she dove into his embrace made something deep inside him settle. For the first time in months, he felt like he belonged somewhere.

Feiman and his crew spotted Herman and were over the moon. Katelyn was so overwhelmed she nearly fainted.

Monica, unable to contain herself, hugged Jason tight. "Jason, Herman's really back! He's alive-this is unreal!"

you he'd make it. He

happy, Jason couldn't help but

suddenly realized she was still holding Jason and quickly let go, but Luke smoothly took her

away, but for

gets it done her own way. Money really does make the world go round, Jason. Maybe our

Money talks, after all.

Dailey, Collin, and the

"The boss is really

spotted Herman and called out without thinking, "Mr.

crowd, Sandy saw

in smoke. She'd lost,

She

If only she'd been a

have made it back to

get the car. We're heading

whatever revenge Herman and

crowd, Rowan stood at the crosswalk, too far back to see

screen.

doubt-did Anastasia really love him that

buzzed.

Asher said, "I'll be in

to

Rowan swallowed hard. "Asher...

Herman

He's back."