The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Autumn immediately got a weird feeling—something was definitely up. A man and a woman sneaking around a hotel, acting all suspicious? That didn't look innocent at all.

Curious, she quietly followed behind and watched as Anastasia slipped into the "Lily Suite." Without hesitating, Autumn hurried back to find Katelyn.

Katelyn was still busy sampling wines when Autumn returned. Sitting down, Autumn tried to sound casual. "Hey Katelyn, isn't it weird your daughter-in-law isn't helping you with Pattie's birthday? It's her own kid's party! Why are you doing all the work by yourself?"

Katelyn just smiled, swirling her wine. "Oh, I don't mind at all. I actually love putting these things together. Plus, I want to make it special for Pattie—make up for not being there for her before. Here, Autumn, try this wine and tell me what you think."

Autumn hesitated, looking like she was struggling with something. "Katelyn, I just saw your daughter-in-law a minute ago."

"Where?" Katelyn looked skeptical, still smiling. "Ana told me she had something to do and left. I never told her I was here tasting food. Are you sure?"

"I'm sure. I saw her go into the Lily Suite. Since she's here, why not have her taste the wine too and give us her opinion? I'm no expert on reds."

Autumn didn't mention the man she'd seen. She wanted Katelyn to go check for herself.

She hadn't gotten a good look at the guy, just his back as he followed Anastasia. "Really?" Katelyn stood up without a second thought. "Alright, I'll go see. Maybe Ana can help us pick a wine-there are so many, I'm overwhelmed."

Lily Suite.

Anastasia had arranged to meet Dailey there she needed his help looking into Adam.

Dailey hadn't arrived yet, so Anastasia waited inside, totally unaware that Autumn had been tailing her.

Just as Anastasia stepped into the room, a man slipped in behind her. She spun around, startled to find Rowan.

"What are you doing here?" Anastasia asked, eyes wide.

Rowan had actually been following her for a while, but she hadn't noticed.

He shut the door, looking tense. "I have to leave Riverdale for a while. Be careful, Anastasia. That Autumn girl isn't what she seems. Watch your back."

He blurted it all out in a rush, like he was worried there wasn't enough time.

Anastasia barely had time to process what he'd said before Katelyn and Autumn suddenly burst in.

As the door swung open, Rowan quickly shoved a small plastic case into Anastasia's hand.

He held onto her hand, and Anastasia stared at him, completely confused.

To anyone watching, it looked a little too close for comfort—two people holding hands, caught in a moment that definitely looked suspicious.

Katelyn's face turned an alarming shade of green. "Anastasia! What is going on here?"

Before Anastasia could even begin to explain, Rowan leaned in, whispered, "Keep it safe," and slipped out the door.

Anastasia wanted to scream. Seriously? He just dumped this in her lap and took off, leaving her to handle the mess?

He hadn't even given her a chance to

react. Through the translucent case, Anastasia could see a tiny chip

inside. What was it? Why did Rowan trust her with something so

obviously important?

She didn't have time to figure it out-almost without thinking, she dropped the

case into her purse, deciding to deal with it later.

Meanwhile, Rowan-the so-called

"other man" had just waltzed out right under Katelyn's nose. Katelyn was fuming. “Anastasia, who was that? What were you doing in here with him? You're a married woman! I'm here busting my tail for Pattie's birthday and you're sneaking around with some man? How could you? What would Herman think if he saw this?" noveldrama

"Mom, please, let me explain. That was-" Anastasia stammered, not even sure what to say. How could she convince them nothing was goingon when they'd just caught her holding hands with another man in a hotel room?

She finally managed, her voice tired, "I swear, I haven't done anything to betray Herman."