The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Flynn only figured out what was going on after he got to the hospital.

Apparently, he was there to bail his niece out of trouble.

Pattie had begged him not to tell her parents-her lips zipped tight, looking up at him with big innocent eyes. "You're the best, Uncle Flynn. I trust you more than anyone," she'd said, laying it on thick.

Flynn couldn't help but feel a little proud. At the hospital, he just had to mention he was from the Salstrom family and everything was handled in a flash.

The woman on the other side, realizing who Flynn was, wasn't about to make a scene-not when they all lived in the same upscale neighborhood.

Layna, meanwhile, had always dreamed of being a rich girl, and for once, her wish had come true-she really was the missing granddaughter of the Stranz family.

Well, technically. Layna's mother was the Stranz family's daughter, so Layna was a granddaughter by blood. But her mom had passed away, and no one really knew who her dad was. The Stranz family took her in out of pity, but Layna was a handful—always getting into trouble, fighting, slacking off at school, chasing trends, and picking on classmates. She was a headache for everyone.

Still, Juliana, the Stranz family's eldest daughter-in-law, absolutely adored Layna. She was the one who'd stepped up for her in the park earlier. Now, after Pattie had given Layna a good scare, Juliana didn't dare make a fuss, not with the Salstroms involved. In her heart, she knew Layna had started it—she always did —but she couldn't help spoiling her, especially when Layna called her "Aunt Juliana."

Juliana didn't have kids of her own, so she doted on Layna like a daughter.

Her husband? Let's just say Juliana ran the show at home. Her coddling only made Layna more arrogant.

This time, though, no one came to Layna's rescue. After Flynn and everyone else left, she sulked in her hospital room, throwing things around in frustration.

Juliana tried to calm her down. "Layna, don't take it so hard. So what if that mute girl is the Salstroms' eldest daughter? You'll outshine her one day just wait."

Layna was burning with jealousy over Pattie. She had always wanted to be Anastasia's daughter-Anastasia was wealthy, kind, and elegant, the kind of mom everyone envied.

Sure, the Stranz family was rich now, but they still couldn't compare to the Salstroms.

To Layna, Pattie had stolen the life she deserved. If Pattie hadn't shown up, maybe Anastasia would have kept her.

Self-reflection wasn't Layna's thing. Like a lot of kids, she was stubborn and thought the world revolved around her.

Flynn tried his best to keep things quiet, but there was no fooling Anastasia. She spotted Pattie's new bruises right away, and after a gentle chat with Liana, she pieced it all together.

Anastasia was surprised to find out that Layna was the youngest granddaughter of the Stranz family. The Stranz place was just a few hundred meters away, up on the north side of the neighborhood.

That night.

Anastasia slipped into Pattie's room, carrying a bottle of ointment. Pattie's arms and legs were covered in bruises from the morning fight.

"My sweet Pattie's got a temper now-and someone she wants to protect. Anastasia said as she dabbed cream on the bruises."But listen honey, until you're strong enough, you need to learn to control that temper, okay?"

Pattie blinked up at her. "You're not mad at me?"

"How could I be?" Anastasia smiled. "You only fought because you saw Ms. Liana getting bullied, right? I know my girl."

Anastasia knew what kind of kid Layna was-trouble, through and through.noveldrama

Pattie nodded and signed, I didn't want to fight her. I just couldn't stand her picking on people. If she tries it again, I'll stop her every time, until she gives up.

Anastasia chuckled. "That's quite the attitude."

Just then, Herman walked in. "I think Pattie should learn some self-defense. Maybe taekwondo or judo. Every girl should know how to protect herself."

Pattie's eyes lit up. She grinned at her dad. "I knew you were the best, Dad."

Anastasia ruffled Pattie's hair. "Let's have Dailey teach her. No need to hire anyone we'll keep it in the family."

James came in with a tub of

ointment. "You two are always scheming," he teased. "First you have Pattie learn Chinese medicine from me, now Dailey's teaching her to fight. Next thing you know we'll be raising the twins, Emmie and Nancy, too Bailay and will be working for you for the next decade. You two really know how to get things done."

The three of them laughed. Pattie signed to James, Best teacher ever.

James handed Pattie the ointment. "Put this on, it'll help with the bruises. Herman,

I'll do another round of acupuncture with you later."

James was still trying acupuncture to help Herman recover his memory.

Herman nodded, eyes soft. "Alright."