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?"

Harmony Meadows, wasn't I always

Herman said, cool

her eyes go warm. "You

"Bits and pieces. I'll take

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

starting to remember, that was definitely a good

out, and Anastasia went back to her

home cooking. For a moment, it

days at Harmony Meadows—everything

Herman wandered back in, leaning against the

you bought dropped

been dabbling in the stock market, mostly

for money,

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

up last week," she said with a sigh. "Now

grand."

world, a hundred grand was like buying a round of

felt the sting; she'd grown up watching every

you said that stock was a sure bet, said

got it beat in that

meaning instantly and burst out laughing.

themselves like that?"

So confident

reached out, brushing a stray hair from her forehead.

sent her heart

raised an eyebrow. "So—are

go watch the kids.

help with something."

to finally figure out what was on that chip.

Herman definitely could.

was simple and light; the housekeepers had the day off,

just them.

the way," Herman said, "there's a jewelry brand gala this weekend.

to come with me?"

all the

"Is this

jewelry

A-listers for

events, the stars

latest pieces