The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Herman was playing with the baby when he said, "Yeah, they're staying at a hotel. I told you, Anastasia set it up, Mom, so you don't need to worry about it." Katelyn opened her mouth to say something but held back.

Anastasia's decision only made Katelyn more certain that she was a bit stingy, though she kept those thoughts to herself. As the matriarch of the Salstrom family, shouldn't she be more welcoming? If word got out, it'd be embarrassing. And sure enough, her concerns were justified.

The next day, an online post popped up, hinting that Anastasia, as the lady of the Salstrom household, had relegated her own sister and father to a hotel. It didn't name names, but it was pretty clear who they meant.

When Katelyn saw it trending, she frowned and called Anastasia over when she came downstairs. "Ana, have you seen what's trending online?"

"Trending? What about?" Anastasia asked, having been busy with the baby and not checking her phone.

"Take a look." Katelyn handed her phone to Anastasia.

Seeing the post, Anastasia understood immediately.

Katelyn went on, "Ana, you're now Herman's wife, the lady of Elysian Technologies. You need to think things through and not give people reasons to criticize you. Small issues can have big impacts. The more people talk, the more your image gets fixed. You're representing Elysian Technologies and Herman's reputation now."noveldrama

Every mention of Anastasia now came with the title of being the lady of Elysian Technologies.

Anastasia didn't argue. "I understand, Mom. I'll be more careful."

She didn't think it necessary to badmouth Sandy Morton to Katelyn.

"As long as you know," Katelyn said. "There will be bigger gatherings in the future, and you'll handle them for the Salstrom family. If you don't know something, I'll help."

"Thanks, Mom," Anastasia replied, ready to learn.

Salma Jewell happened to come downstairs and saw Katelyn having a go at Anastasia. In the past, Katelyn would've backed Anastasia, but this time she chose to criticize her first.

The new baby should have been a joyful addition, but it was stirring up more issues and conflicts.

---

At the hotel, Tavon Morton saw the trending post too and asked Sandy, "What's all this about? Did you put it online?"

"Dad, no way," Sandy said, shaking her head. "I just found out myself. Someone else must be stirring up trouble out of jealousy. I don't mind staying at a hotel. We shouldn't impose on Sis's household, and we only stayed because her mother-in-law insisted." Sandy wasn't behind this. She wouldn't be that reckless.

Tavon wasn't entirely convinced, his expression stern. "Sandy, your sister has it tough in the Salstrom family."

"Dad, it really wasn't me. What would I gain from that?" Sandy explained. "I'm genuinely here to celebrate with my sister."

Tavon gave Sandy a sideways glance. Ever since he learned his daughter had once tried to poison him, he'd been wary of her.

"Let's head back to Willowbrook today."

Tavon had planned to stay longer, but now he reconsidered.

"Dad, if we leave right after this, it might make things awkward for Sis," Sandy pointed out.

Tavon realized she had a point. "So what should we do?"

"Get someone to take down the post. There's no point in dwelling on it," Sandy suggested. "But we shouldn't just leave right away. Let time pass, and people will forget about it."

Tavon looked at Sandy and asked, "How many orders did you secure yesterday? Don't think I don't know why you really came along. The Morton Group is being run into the ground by you and your brother."