The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Herman got where Feiman was coming from. They were both men, after all.

"Pop," Herman started, "you and Mom have had a great ride together. It's time to face the music instead of just sweeping things under the rug. Ignoring problems only drives you further apart." Feiman was struck by the insight and felt a pang of guilt.

Ever since he and Elaine had hit a rough patch, he'd avoided confronting it head-on. When Elaine had packed up for England, he hadn't even thought to follow.

"Yeah, I know what to do," Feiman admitted. "As for you and Anastasia, son, it's your call. I just want you to be happy. If she's the one, I'm on board."

Feiman wasn't stuck in the past; as long as Anastasia was a good person and made his son happy, he wouldn't make a fuss.

Now that the dust had settled on Granny Anita's situation, he saw no reason to interfere.

"Thanks, Pop." Herman's gaze grew serious as he clasped his hands together. "And, Pop, if you can get Mom to warm up to Joe and have him officially recognized in the Salstrom family records, that's fine by me." "Really?" Feiman was pleasantly surprised. He never dared to bring up including Joe in the family records. Even recognizing Joe was just a formality.

Herman nodded. "The kid's got a good head for business, sharper than Flynn by a long shot. He's just hot-headed and stubborn, which can cloud his judgment."

Feiman chuckled awkwardly, "You mean the stunt Joe pulled by buying out the stock you were after? I've lectured him on that enough times. No clue why he insists on butting heads with you."noveldrama

"Competitive spirit, I get it. He's just a bit short on finesse. But I doubt he'll thank me for saying so."

Spot-on assessment.

After making his point, Herman took his leave. Feiman rang up Joe to relay Herman's sentiments.

Joe was taken aback, his pride getting the better of him. "Who cares about getting into your precious Salstrom family records? I'm not interested."

"Still hot under the collar, huh? Herman hit the nail on the head: you're stubborn and competitive but lacking in finesse. He's got you pegged, and you know it."

Joe felt exposed and retorted in annoyance, "Let whoever wants to be in your family records be in them. I'm not interested. What, I'm supposed to jump every time Herman says something? Who does he think he is?" With that, Joe hung up.

Feiman was left fuming, muttering to his phone, "Damn fool."

The next day.

Anastasia bought a ticket to Willowbrook, leaving her dog Pattie with Herman. She wanted to confront the Morton family mess alone, not wanting to drag Herman, a public figure, into the fray and expose him to potential exploitation and criticism. Arriving in Willowbrook by noon, Anastasia met up with Salma.

"Ana, we need to get your dad out of there, or he's going to suffer for real," Salma said urgently.

"Did he have a stroke for real?" Anastasia asked, concern evident in her voice.

"Yeah, I saw it with my own eyes. He can't even speak anymore."

"How did it happen?"

"From what I gathered, it was a heart attack. They rushed him to the hospital, and when he woke up, he was like this. Your dad was in good health; it doesn't add up. He wouldn't just have a heart attack out of the blue. I snuck into the Morton residence. It was Ashley's doing."

Anastasia frowned. "Now Sean's got a stranglehold on Morton Group. Ashley's been acting as Dad's proxy with the board, announcing his retirement for health reasons."

Salma nodded gravely. "I suspect that was Ashley's plan all along. Your dad mentioned leaving the company to you, and Ashley sure wouldn't like that. That's why he targeted your father."

Anastasia recalled Tavon's visit before his last trip to Willowbrook, offering her a stake in the company, willing to hand over control. She had been too lenient.

"Mom, do you still have the share transfer document Dad gave you?"

"I've got it," Salma confirmed. "I also have the declaration stating you're to inherit the Morton Group."

Anastasia was surprised. "Mom, you're really on the ball."

"When your father got into trouble, I had a bad feeling. I kept these documents as leverage. I thought about using them to pressure Ashley, to see Dad, but then I worried they might get stolen and we'd lose our bargaining chip, so I held back." Anastasia felt a mix of admiration and concern for her mother's fluctuating smarts.

Salma produced the share transfer document and the declaration for Anastasia to inherit the Morton Group. "Ana, take a look. I'm not sure if your dad was bluffing this time, maybe it's a fake."

The last time Tavon had tricked Salma with a fake divorce paper.

Anastasia said half-jokingly, "We should get a lawyer to verify these. If they're fake, we might as well pack up and leave. If Dad's been playing us, he's made his bed."