The Bound Between Us

Chapter 950

Layna had that sugary, sing-song voice that adults just couldn't resist. She wasn't clueless-if she ever wanted to become the Wisman family's daughter-in-law, she had to win Jonah over first.

Kids these days might look innocent, but their minds are always working overtime.

To Jonah, though, Layna was just an eight-year-old girl-at that age, she was supposed to be all fun and games. He never imagined she had any other motives.

Jonah smiled and tossed out a compliment. "Layna's such a sweetheart-so charming! You should come visit us in Newport sometime."

Layna's eyes lit up. "Really, Uncle Jonah? I'd love to go to Newport!"

"Of course," Jonah laughed. "Uncle Jonah would be happy to have you."

,

Layna knew exactly how to wrap adults around her finger. She turned to Scott, putting on her sweetest face. "Uncle Scott, can I go? I really want to see Newport."

Scott was a bit surprised-Layna was unusually well-behaved today. He knew Jonah was just being polite, so he said, “Maybe when you're on break, Layna. For now, your job is to focus on school."

Layna tried to hide her disappointment for Jonah's sake, flashing a bright smile. "Alright! Justin, when summer break comes, I'll come find you in Newport, okay?"

Justin nodded out of politeness, then turned to Pattie. "You're welcome too. Newport's full of cool places-I'll show you around when you come."

Layna's heart twisted with jealousy-Justin was so warm toward Pattie, but barely noticed her.

and as the birthday girl no less, she just gave Justin a polite

of going to Newport anyway. Home was

she preferred not

then, Herman called out, "Jonah, Mr. Stranz, please

Pattie's hand, worried Pattie might feel out of

star of the show, she couldn't say a word. By the end of the

in the Salstrom family, Pattie's position

smiled at Anastasia, letting her

all filed into the grand banquet hall. As Anastasia entered, she could feel the guests' eyes drifting her

back memories of that old scandal-what the gossip columns had

crass enough to mention

White, after all-she didn't owe anyone an

could save her was herself. As

smile. "Let Grandma take a look at you. Qur eldest granddaughter just gorgeous! Your

it was clear Pattie was Herman's real daughter-not some

beaming with pride-so different from how she'd been at

the cue and

is stunning, Katelyn. Your granddaughter's going to grow up to be

a lovely girl! I wonder which lucky family

day."

just flattery, an