The Bound Between Us

Chapter 881

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Anastasia hadn't seen Herman this sharp in ages.

When was the last time he'd put someone in their place like that? Oh, right—it

must've been when her hopeless ex, Cason Kirkwood, managed to get on

Herman's bad side. Cason was still behind bars, and honestly, he'd probably be

there for a few more years.

After Cason got locked up, Demi—the girl who used to compete with Anastasia for

his attention—vanished without a trace. Monica mentioned that Demi had

probably gone overseas. As Monica put it, "With Cason in jail, if Demi didn't take

off fast, she'd be in there with him soon enough. No point crossing you, Ana."

"You all chat. I need to finish the soup," Anastasia said, leaving the brothers to

their conversation.

Pattie jumped up. "Mom, let me help!"

Anastasia's smile was full of warmth. "No need, sweetheart. Go play with your

siblings. Or, if you're bored, go to the lab and remind your mentor to eat—he's

been in there so long he might actually turn into a mushroom."

Sometimes Anastasia wished Pattie weren't quite so grown-up. It was sweet, but it

made her heart ache a little.

Pattie grinned. "I'll go get him!"

With Pattie off to the lab, Herman handed the kids over to Flynn without a second

thought and rolled up his sleeves to join Anastasia in the kitchen.

She arched an eyebrow. "What are you doing in here?"

wasn't

said, cool

felt her eyes go warm.

gentle smile. "Bits and

"...Okay." Anastasia's heart soared.

remember, that was definitely a good

out, and Anastasia went back to her soup,

smell of home cooking. For a moment, it felt just

days at Harmony Meadows—everything so

wandered back in, leaning

bought

dabbling in the stock

exactly hurting for money, so losses

played it safe. For her, it was just something to pass the

she said with a sigh. "Now it's down

grand."

was like buying a round of

felt the sting; she'd grown up

"Last time you said that stock was

husband's got

caught his meaning instantly and burst out laughing. "Who brags

themselves like that?"

guy, honestly. So confident about

reached out, brushing a stray hair from her forehead. The move was

his look sent her heart

raised an eyebrow. "So—are

flushed pink. "Very. Now go watch the kids. After dinner, I need

help with something."

finally figure out what was on that chip. If she couldn't

Herman definitely could.

the housekeepers had the

just them.

way," Herman said, "there's

to come with me?"

with all the celebrities and socialites?"

"Is this a sales

jewelry brands

in A-listers for their galas.

events, the stars

brand's latest