The Bound Between Us

Chapter 949

Herman strode over, grinning. "Jonah, man, it's been ages!"

Only close friends called each other by their first names like that.

Jonah laughed. "Seriously, it has! The last time you were in the city, what, three years ago? You haven't changed a bit. Herman, you must be snacking on preservatives or something!"

They knocked fists, shared a quick smile, and pulled each other into a brief hug.

That was just how guys greeted each other-no fuss, no drama.

Herman's lips curled into a sly smile. "I'll send you a bottle of preservatives next time. My own secret formula."

Jonah feigned shock, then cracked up. "Getting married really changed you, huh? You never used to have jokes like that."

The old Herman was never this quick with a comeback.

Herman waved someone over. "Come here, hon. Jonah, meet my wife-Anastasia. Anastasia, this is Jonah, CEO of Wisman Corporation."

Anastasia offered a gentle smile. "Mr. Wisman, thank you for coming to my daughter's birthday party. Welcome."

Jonah had heard about her from overseas and seen her online, but this was the first time he'd met her face-to-face.

her. "You look ten times better in person than on TV. I always wondered which amazing lady

not quite sure

called his eldest son over. "Justin,

gentleman, greeted them politely. "Uncle Herman, hello. Hi,

he walked over to Pattie. "Hey, Paradise,

handed her a painting-one he'd made

eyes lit up as she unwrapped it. Justin had drawn her, sitting quietly on a stone, gazing off

started bickering-just Pattie, sitting alone, lost in

Herman exchanged a look the kind only parents share when they realize their daughter might be about

presence about him. Tagging along after his dad, he'd picked up a maturity that set him apart from other

legend at Wisman Corp back in the city. Everyone knew he was the next in

generation was coming

but quickly tucked the painting away, not wanting to show too much excitement. She

then, a familiar voice called

wait for

Layna had arrived.

a shiny black SUV, trailing behind her uncle Scott-head of the Stranz family-and her aunt

Layna's mom's