The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Wendy suddenly found herself at the center of a scandal. The dramatic turn of events left the high society ladies feeling humiliated, wishing they could just disappear. Here they were, women in their fifties and sixties, having slandered a child. How could they show their faces now?noveldrama

Nobody wanted to offend the Salstroms, so it wasn't long before one of the ladies stepped forward to chastise Wendy, "Wendy, what were you thinking? You spilled the water and scalded the Salstroms' little angel, and then you blame a child? You've deceived us all." Others chimed in, "Exactly, if you had just told the truth, none of this misunderstanding would have happened. Seeing Miss Pattie so wronged was heartbreaking."

Just moments ago, they were casually calling her Pattie, not even bothering with her full name. Now, it was Miss Pattie. Such a shift, typical of those seasoned in social circles.

Wendy was mortified, her face turning beet red. "I...I didn't mean to. I didn't know," she stammered, still making excuses.

Hunter's face darkened. He glanced at Herman, who hadn't said a word, understanding the message. He needed to make things right with the Salstrom family. His wife had slandered Herman's eldest daughter and scalded the youngest. This was unacceptable. In a fit of anger, Hunter slapped Wendy hard across the face, the sound echoing loudly. Wendy, her cheek stinging, looked at Hunter in shock.

Hunter scolded her sternly, "Apologize to Herman right now. You've caused enough trouble. I wish I hadn't brought you here."

That slap not only humiliated Wendy but also diminished her standing in their social circle and within her own family. Through tears, Wendy sobbed to Herman, "Mr. Herman, I'm sorry. I wronged Miss Pattie. I'm truly sorry."

Herman was setting an example with Wendy, his tone icy, "Miss Pattie is my daughter. If anyone dares to spread rumors again, don't expect any mercy from me."

Who would dare say anything after that? Wendy and Hunter, too embarrassed to stay, left first.

This incident didn't dampen the spirit of the christening party. Everyone was now well aware not to underestimate Pattie, the illegitimate daughter. Katelyn realized how much Herman valued Pattie. Even without a blood relation, nothing could shake Pattie's place in Herman's heart.

Katelyn couldn't help but wonder, how could a biological child not compare to an outsider? Even with all the love for one's own, Pattie should not be considered as his own.

When Sandy heard about the incident, she knew the Salstrom family was set for more drama. Herman could silence rumors, but not the thoughts in people's hearts. With Herman's youngest still a child, the coming years would only bring more opinions from the three children, making the Salstrom family's drama even more interesting.

Anastasia, aware of the rumors about Pattie, knew some things couldn't be changed. Marrying into wealth with an illegitimate daughter meant both she and Pattie were destined to face public scrutiny. She could handle it, but worried for Pattie.

After the incident, Anastasia didn't want to cause more trouble. She sent Pattie back to Southridge Estates with Liana, wanting to spare her from any gossip about her birth or her muteness.

As the christening party began, guests started to arrive, including Alessia and Lauren Mill. It had been a while since Anastasia had seen them, and meeting them now felt different. Alessia was more reserved in her conversation with Anastasia, no longer as carefree as before. She didn't dare bring up the godmother topic; the Salstroms were out of her league.

Monica and Alessia sat together, familiar faces making the encounter less awkward. Anastasia and Herman, seated at the main table, received many toast offers. Alessia, glancing over, envied Anastasia's figure, "After having a baby, she still looks great. I gained so much weight."

It was a casual envy, knowing well that marrying well wasn't something one could simply aspire to. Monica reassured, "You're not overweight. Your waist is so slim."

Alessia, recalling her weight loss journey, sighed, "It took me a year to slim down. What a struggle."

The women chatted about makeup, fashion, and fitness, while the men talked more about women. After feeding, Emmie and another child were put to bed. After lunch, Anastasia sought out Monica. She noticed the absence of Tavon, Salma, and Sandy.

Heading to the restroom, Anastasia overheard Sandy's voice as she prepared to leave the stall. "Stick to the usual plan. Mix the real with the fake. They want cheap prices, they can't expect real quality. Don't worry about complaints. You get what you pay for, right? Just do as I say..."