The Bound Between Us

Chapter 859

Anastasia had gotten photos like this before. It wasn't the first time someone tried to mess with her head. Back when Herman got tangled up in Julie's games, she'd received pictures that were even more suggestive. But back then, she trusted Herman completely-doubting him never even crossed her mind.

Now? She hesitated. Things had changed. This wasn't the same Herman anymore. He didn't remember her at all. Whatever might have happened between him and Sandy seemed almost understandable, in a sad kind of way.

She didn't reply to Sandy's message. Ignoring it was her best move. No way was she going to let Sandy get a rise out of her-she wasn't about to hand over her feelings that easily. That would just let Sandy win.

Meanwhile, in Willowbrook, Sandy stared at her phone, annoyed. Still no response from Anastasia. It felt like throwing a punch and hitting nothing but air.

Was Anastasia really this unbothered?

Sandy wished she had something juicier to send, something that would really make Anastasia lose her cool. But this shirtless photo was all she had-snapped ages ago when she'd sneaked into the bathroom while Herman was showering, catching him off guard.

Anastasia let out a frustrated sigh and looked up at the night sky. The evening was beautiful, stars scattered everywhere.

Just then, Tavon came up to the rooftop garden, carrying a bottle of liquor and a bowl of peanuts. The two of them bumped into each other and paused, surprised.

Tavon raised an eyebrow. "Ana, why aren't you in bed yet?"

herself together. "Dad, you're up

her, and twisted open the bottle. "How can I sleep? Just thinking about your mom

"Adam?" Anastasia asked, puzzled.

me-handsome as I am, I never could fix her taste. Now she's dating someone who's short, round, and dark as a lump of coal. When they dance together,

you're right about one thing-Mom's taste in men is questionable. Twenty-eight years ago, she must've been

been, would she have picked Tavon

faked outrage. "Hey! Is that any way to talk about

my dad, I wouldn't even bother teasing you," Anastasia shot back. Then she softened. "Dad, let Mom go. You

eight years of her life-don't dragut out any

taking a burning swig of liquor. The drink went

that Adam guy. I'm telling you, Ana, men can spot these

really that bad? Maybe

Mom," she promised. "I'll ask her to introduce me to Adam. I want to see for myself. Dad, you're way too biased-I can't just

could wait. Anastasia tucked Tavon's warning away in her mind. If her mother's happiness was

party was