The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Katelyn warmly held Sandy's hand and said, "You're such a sweetheart. If only your sister could be as gracious as you."

Sandy blushed, her shy smile perfectly embodying innocence and charm.

Katelyn then asked, "Sandy, when are you heading back to Willowbrook?"

Seeing how fond Katelyn was of her, Sandy replied, "Dad's been missing my sister and adores his grandkids, so he doesn't want to leave just yet. We might stay a few more days. When he decides to go, I'll head back with him." Sandy cleverly shifted the blame for staying longer onto her dad, Tavon.noveldrama

"Oh, I see," Katelyn hesitated before continuing, "I was actually planning to visit Willowbrook tomorrow. I already booked my flight and was hoping you could be my guide. It's been ages since I last went, and I'm not familiar with the roads anymore." The moment Sandy heard about Katelyn's plans, she quickly said, "Aunt Katelyn, if you're going to Willowbrook, I'd love to join you! What time is your flight? I can book mine right now and go with you. Dad won't mind at all."

"Tomorrow morning, 9:20," Katelyn chuckled, "Sandy, you're a gem. It's settled then. I'll see you at the airport in the morning?"

"No problem at all," Sandy agreed, eager to strengthen her connection with Katelyn, knowing how beneficial that could be for her.

Katelyn's network was incomparable to anyone Sandy had known before, offering opportunities tenfold.

With their plans finalized, Katelyn didn't linger much longer and soon made her way out. Her driver was already waiting at the hotel entrance.

Once in the car, the driver asked, "Ma'am, are we heading back to Southridge Estates, or somewhere else?"

"Back to Southridge Estates," Katelyn replied, glancing at the two elegant boxes on the seat beside her, "These are for Ana. She'll love them."

Katelyn had gifts prepared for both Sandy and Anastasia. After all, Anastasia was her daughter-in-law, truly part of the family, and Katelyn wouldn't shortchange her.

For Anastasia, Katelyn chose a pearl necklace as well, but it was even more exquisite-a rare pink pearl, each one perfectly round and beautiful.

Compared to the pink strand, Sandy's white pearls were quite ordinary.

As they drove towards Southridge Estates, Katelyn made a phone call, "I'd like to book a flight for tomorrow morning at 9:20 to Willowbrook..."

She hadn't actually booked in advance; it was a spur-of-the-moment decision.

Back at Southridge Estates, Katelyn presented the pearl necklace and a set of custom skincare products to Anastasia, saying, "I'm heading to Willowbrook tomorrow, taking Sandy along. I'll be bringing her back with me." Anastasia was puzzled, "Mom, you're going with Sandy?"

"If I didn't say that, she wouldn't want to return to Willowbrook and would stay here, which would make you unhappy and could stir up more trouble. So I thought of this plan to have her leave earlier," Katelyn explained. "I haven't visited Willowbrook in years, so it's a good chance to go."

Anastasia was still trying to wrap her head around Katelyn's strategy, "Mom, didn't you just say I wasn't being generous enough..."

"You really aren't, Ana," Katelyn admitted, "But don't be upset by my words. I was trying to teach you. Even if you're unhappy, sometimes you can't just act on your feelings."

Katelyn continued earnestly, "Take this situation, for instance. As soon as Sandy moved out, there were posts about it. In a family like ours, there's always someone watching. Sometimes you need to approach things differently. I just gave Sandy a few things, and now she's willing to come back with me to Willowbrook."

Anastasia smiled, understanding Katelyn's intention, "Mom, you're brilliant."

Katelyn smirked, "That's the wisdom from my years as Mrs. Salstrom. You'll need to learn to wear a mask and not act too directly. Don't worry; I'll guide you."

Katelyn genuinely felt for Sandy and liked her quite a bit. Her decision to take Sandy back was primarily to handle the recent public buzz.

With Anastasia's temperament, befriending Sandy purposefully wouldn't be her move, so Katelyn stepped in.

The family's future leadership, Anastasia's standing and image, needed protection.

Katelyn was doing this for Herman, while also educating Anastasia.

Anastasia asked, "Mom, how long will you stay in Willowbrook?"

"I'll look around, and when the time feels right, I'll find a reason to come back. There's no point staying longer. I miss my grandkids too much," Katelyn replied. Anastasia laughed, "Thanks, Mom."

"I'll go pack my things for tomorrow morning. If you need anything, talk to the nanny," Katelyn advised, "And remember, always sanitize before holding the babies. No slacking."

Anastasia found herself both exasperated and appreciative. Katelyn could be overwhelming at times, yet she was also incredibly caring. Truly, no one is perfect, and Anastasia knew she wasn't the ideal daughter-in-law either. "Got it, Mom, I will," she assured, wanting to keep Katelyn pleased.