The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

"Wait, did Sandy really go to Willowbrook?" Anastasia was caught off guard by this revelation. Was Sandy actually at the scene of the incident? Her expression turned serious as she sat up straight, pausing the video with a click of the mouse.

On screen, Sandy was busy volunteering, helping the injured. She seemed genuinely compassionate. Many comments praised her as the "most beautiful hero," but Anastasia could see through the facade. Sandy was putting on a show. Every camera angle was perfect, and even her expressions seemed rehearsed. Despite her disheveled appearance, her makeup was flawless.

If Sandy was there, did she run into Herman? Dailey had mentioned that Herman might have been taken by someone. Rowan claimed he never saw Herman. Tavon gossiped that Sandy had a "boy toy" stashed somewhere. Anastasia replayed everything in her mind, considering the recent strategic moves by the Morton Group, which had Herman's signature style written all over them.

A daring thought crossed her mind-did Sandy take Herman? The possibility jolted her. She immediately called Dailey.

As soon as he answered, Anastasia blurted out, "Dailey, you said there's a good chance Herman was taken. Do you have any more leads?"

“I've been tailing Asher for days, but nothing unusual,” Dailey replied. "Don't worry, Ana, I'll keep a close eye."

"No, Dailey, we might be looking at the wrong person. I met Rowan, and he swore he hadn't seen Herman. I trust him." Anastasia didn't have a concrete reason for her trust in Rowan, but it felt right.

"Do you have a new lead?" Dailey asked.

"Yes, I was going through some old news reports and noticed Sandy was there. I'm thinking of heading to Willowbrook tomorrow," Anastasia explained. "I'll check things out myself. Meanwhile, see if you can track down James." James had been off the grid for months now.

"Got it," Dailey agreed. He'd also heard about Nelson's injury. With Christen unable to assist and Henry still a rookie, Dailey decided to return and support Anastasia.

After the call, Anastasia combed

through online articles, hoping to uncover more clues. She found

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Sandy featured in several posts but nothing linking her directly to Herman. Feeling a glimmer of hope, Anastasia glanced at a pair of cherry earrings on her bookshelf. The sight warmed her heart.

"Herman, hang tight," she whispered softly.

"Ana, why are you still up? Don't you care about your health?" Salma, her mother, entered the room. “You shouldn't be staying up so late every night. It's not good for you."

"Mom, I know. I'll head to bed soon. By the way, I'm going to Willowbrook tomorrow," Anastasia decided on a whim.

"Willowbrook? Why?" Salma was surprised but quickly added, "It's a good time to check on your father."

"What's up with Dad?" Anastasia asked, concerned.

"He's in the hospital again," Salma sighed. "I called earlier today and found out he has a mild concussion after a scuffle with Ashley. I don't know all the details." Salma had no intention of getting involved in family drama. Tavon had complained to her, but she was content to stay out of it.

"Alright, I'll visit him tomorrow," Anastasia said, standing up. "Mom, sorry to leave you with everything. Pattie has school, and Emmie and Nancy have their appointments. If it gets too much, maybe have the kids' grandma come over."

"Don't worry, I've got it under control," Salma assured her.

With everything arranged, Anastasia booked a flight and left for

Willowbrook bright and early.

Without giving Tavon a heads-unet

she went straight to the hospital, catching everyone off guard Sandy was there, bringing breakfast. She nearly dropped the bowl of oatmeal when she saw Anastasia.

Seeing Anastasia, Sandy felt a pang of insecurity, instinctively knowing thatnoveldrama

Anastasia was there because of Herman.