The Bound Between Us

Chapter

Anastasia Jewell didn't even bother arguing with Katelyn Salstrom-she could tell what was going on from a mile away.

Katelyn had never approved of the way Salma Jewell raised her kids.

Luckily, Salma wasn't there today. If she'd heard Katelyn's comment, she would have been upset for sure.

Cradling Emmie, Anastasia made up an excuse to leave. "I'm going upstairs to change Emmie's clothes."

Katelyn's face was set in stone. She knew Anastasia was making a graceful exit on purpose. As soon as Anastasia and Emmie were out of sight, Katelyn turned to Nancy. "Nancy, you need to listen to Grandma. No more junk food, okay? It's bad for you and will keep you from growing tall. Say you love Grandma, and I'll buy you a toy."

"I don't want it. I want to play with my sister," Nancy shot back, ignoring the toy Katelyn had just handed her. She grabbed the railing and marched upstairs on her

own.

Nancy was up and down those stairs every day—she was a pro and didn't need help.

With both of her grandkids brushing her off, Katelyn felt a little hurt. Just then, her phone rang. It was Autumn, inviting her out for a round of mahjong.

Katelyn called out to Anastasia to let her know, then headed out.

She discreetly asked where the mahjong game was happening

a mahjong table. They were all

mothers-in-law, so the conversation naturally drifted to their

so dramatic. She keeps sneaking money to her family on the side. I checked her bank statements

Rover? That's nothing. My daughter-in-law hasn't given me a single grandchild in three years.

her own, had nothing to

smile and said, "Well, in that case, you should take a page from Katelyn's book. Her daughter-in-law has already had three kids, and I heard she even started an artisanal workshop. Talk

and Mrs. Johnson, both competitive at heart, didn't like

And I heard your son bought Geneva Stanton a house. He's so thoughtful.

let it show she shouted and said "Herman is good

is enviable. Your grandkids

grandma. They're always calling

Her own grandkids never

a smile and kept quiet, but

Autumn felt a

all afternoon, and with her mind

big winner and

wanting to appear rude, Katelyn agreed, and the two