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.

times better in person than on TV. I always

just smiled, not quite

eldest son over. "Justin, come

the young gentleman, greeted them politely.

"Hey, Paradise, happy birthday. I brought

her a painting-one

unwrapped it. Justin had drawn her, sitting quietly on a stone, gazing off into the distance. The whole scene gave off a calm,

first seen her-before she and Layna started bickering-just Pattie, sitting alone, lost in her own

a look the kind only parents share when

Tagging along after his dad,

his age-Justin was already something of a legend at Wisman Corp back in the city. Everyone knew he was the next in line, and he was already

generation was coming

wanting to show too much excitement. She signed "thank you" with her hands,

then, a familiar voice called

Justin, wait for

Layna had arrived.

behind her uncle Scott-head of the Stranz family-and

Layna's mom's