The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Herman strode over, grinning. "Jonah, man, it's been ages!"

Only close friends called each other by their first names like that.

Jonah laughed. "Seriously, it has! The last time you were in the city, what, three years ago? You haven't changed a bit. Herman, you must be snacking on preservatives or something!"

They knocked fists, shared a quick smile, and pulled each other into a brief hug.

That was just how guys greeted each other-no fuss, no drama.

Herman's lips curled into a sly smile. "I'll send you a bottle of preservatives next time. My own secret formula."

Jonah feigned shock, then cracked up. "Getting married really changed you, huh? You never used to have jokes like that."

The old Herman was never this quick with a comeback.

Herman waved someone over. "Come here, hon. Jonah, meet my wife-Anastasia. Anastasia, this is Jonah, CEO of Wisman Corporation."

Anastasia offered a gentle smile. "Mr. Wisman, thank you for coming to my daughter's birthday party. Welcome."

Jonah had heard about her from overseas and seen her online, but this was the first time he'd met her face-to-face.

He didn't hesitate to compliment her. "You look ten times better in person than on TV. I always wondered which amazing lady could win Herman over. Anyone who can manage that has my respect!"

Anastasia just smiled, not quite sure what to say.

Jonah called his eldest son over. "Justin, come here and say hi."

Justin, looking every bit the young gentleman, greeted them politely. "Uncle Herman, hello. Hi, Ana."

Then he walked over to Pattie. "Hey, Paradise, happy birthday. I brought you a present."

He handed her a painting-one he'd made himself.

Pattie's eyes lit up as she unwrapped it. Justin had drawn her, sitting quietly on a stone, gazing off into the distance. The whole scene gave off a calm, peaceful vibe.

That's how Justin had first seen her-before she and Layna started bickering-just Pattie, sitting alone, lost in her own world. He hadn't actually seen her drawing that day, but he'd painted what he imagined.

Anastasia and Herman exchanged a look the kind only parents share when they realize their daughter might be about to steal someone's heart.

Justin might only be twelve, but he already had a presence about him. Tagging along after his dad, he'd picked up a maturity that set him apart from other kids.noveldrama

Don't be fooled by his age-Justin was already something of a legend at Wisman Corp back in the city. Everyone knew he was the next in line, and he was already showing he had what it took.

The next generation was coming in strong.

Pattie was over the moon but quickly tucked the painting away, not wanting to show too much excitement. She signed "thank you" with her hands, ever the polite one.

Just then, a familiar voice called out.

"Justin! Justin, wait for me!"

Layna had arrived.

She hopped out of a shiny black SUV, trailing behind her uncle Scott-head of the Stranz family-and her aunt Juliana.

Scott was Layna's mom's brother.

Pattie and Layna had their usual squabbles, but grown-ups never took kids drama too seriously. The Salstroms hadn't officially invited the Stranz family, but they showed up anyway.

Scott hadn't really wanted to bring Layna-he was worried she'd cause trouble-but Layna begged, and Juliana insisted, so here they were.

The Stranz and Wisman families had been friends for generations.

Scott clapped Herman and Jonah on the back. "Jonah, you beat me here!"

Jonah grinned. "I just got here myself."

As the host, Herman welcomed them warmly. "Mr. Stranz, glad you could make it."

"Mr. Salstrom, congratulations," Scott replied, shaking his hand.

Meanwhile, Layna had eyes only for Justin. She grabbed his arm. "Justin, you should stay in Riverdale a few more days! Stay at my place. Teach me how to paint-Uncle Scott says you're amazing! I want to learn from you."

Pattie's smile faded a bit, watching Layna latch onto Justin's arm.

Justin, keeping his cool, gently pulled his arm free. "We're heading back to the city tomorrow."

"So soon?" Layna pouted. "Can't you stay a little longer?"

She turned to Jonah, turning on the charm. "Uncle Jonah, can Justin please stay in Riverdale a few more days?"