The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Hank was seething with anger at Gianna, wishing he could erase her from existence. Sandy's life had been completely wrecked by what Gianna had done. Mason didn't waste a second and went straight to confront Gianna, but by then, the police had already taken her away.

Derek, fearing the Salstrom family's retaliation, ignored Evelyn's objections and called the authorities, urging Gianna to turn herself in. Only by surrendering could she possibly have a chance at saving herself. If the Salstroms got to her first, she'd be in big trouble. In this crucial moment, Derek wasn't about to let his emotions cloud his judgment; he knew the best move for Gianna was to hand herself over to the police.

Once Gianna was taken by the police, Evelyn rushed to Southridge Estates. Madeline, who was feeling a bit sleepy after eating some fruit and planning for a nap-thanks to her pregnancy fatigue-was interrupted by the nanny. "Ma'am, your aunt's here again, and she seems really urgent. She's outside making a fuss, wanting to see you."

The last time Camille visited Evelyn's place, it ended with her being shown the door and causing a family rift. How could she have the nerve to show up again? With a frown, Madeline said, "Let her in."

Soon, Evelyn came in, tears streaming down her face. Upon seeing Madeline, she started to plead, "Madeline, please, have mercy. Gianna's your cousin after all. She was just confused when she took Sandy."

Madeline was utterly baffled and shocked to hear Evelyn admit that Gianna had kidnapped Sandy. She quickly asked, "Where's Sandy? Where did Gianna take her?"

Camille also entered, hearing Evelyn's confession, and anxiously asked, "Big sister, did Gianna really take Sandy?"

Seeing that both Camille and Madeline were in the dark, Evelyn, desperate and with nothing to lose, said, "Yes, it was Gianna. She's been mentally unstable since her accident; she didn't know what she was doing. The police have taken her away now. Please, for the sake of family, let her go. She's my only daughter; you can't let me lose her."

Evelyn, playing the family card, hoped to sway Camille and Madeline to forgive Gianna. Madeline, learning about Gianna's arrest, pressed on, "But where's Sandy? Where is she?"

Her sole concern was her daughter. "Sandy must have been taken by Hank," Evelyn said. "The child's fine, Gianna didn't harm her, just kept her hidden. Please, Madeline, talk to the police, let Gianna go. We're all family here; can't we settle this amongst ourselves?" Madeline immediately called Hank, anxiously asking, "Did you find Sandy? Where is she now?"

Hank, aware of Gianna's arrest, had planned to wait until Sandy was better before bringing her home. Now that Madeline knew, he had no choice but to bring her back sooner. "I'm bringing Sandy home now; we'll be there soon."

Hearing Sandy was on her way home, Madeline felt like she was dreaming. She ran to the doorway to wait, her heart pounding with anticipation. Meanwhile, Evelyn continued pleading with Camille, invoking the bonds of sisterhood and Gianna's pitiable state.

Caught in the middle, Camille was torn, unable to outright reject Evelyn's pleas due to their family ties. That's the complexity of human relationships, often impossible to escape.noveldrama

Minutes later, Hank's car pulled into the driveway. Seeing the car, Madeline rushed forward, almost unsure of what to do next. The car stopped, and Hank stepped out, then gently lifted Sandy from the car.

The moment Madeline saw Sandy, tears flowed freely down her face. "Sandy, Sandy," she cried, tears of joy and sorrow mingling. After months of being gone, Sandy looked distant and noticeably thinner-heartbreaking for any mother to see.

Madeline took Sandy from Hank, surprised by how light she felt compared to before. Overwhelmed, she kissed Sandy's forehead, apologizing for not protecting her better. Sandy had been taken once before, and Madeline had vowed to keep her safe, but she had failed and felt deeply guilty.

Sandy remained silent, letting Madeline hold and kiss her without saying a word. Madeline, not sensing anything particularly unusual, thought Sandy was just traumatized, which explained her silence.

Wiping away her tears, Madeline reassured, "Sandy, you're home now, no more fear." Camille, too, was moved by the reunion, a joy beyond compare. "Sandy, come here, let grandma have a look at you."

Sandy didn't move, just stared at Camille. Throughout, Sandy remained silent, adding to the heavy atmosphere around Hank and James. Madeline felt in her bones that something was off. She glanced at Sandy, then quickly turned to Hank. "What's up with Sandy? Dr. James, did something spook her into silence?"

James exchanged a look with Hank. With a heavy step, Hank moved closer to Madeline, gently patting Sandy's head. His voice was thick with emotion as he said, "Sandy's lost her voice. She can't speak anymore."