The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Layna had that sugary, sing-song voice that adults just couldn't resist. She wasn't clueless-if she ever wanted to become the Wisman family's daughter-in-law, she had to win Jonah over first.

Kids these days might look innocent, but their minds are always working overtime.

To Jonah, though, Layna was just an eight-year-old girl-at that age, she was supposed to be all fun and games. He never imagined she had any other motives.

Jonah smiled and tossed out a compliment. "Layna's such a sweetheart-so charming! You should come visit us in Newport sometime."

Layna's eyes lit up. "Really, Uncle Jonah? I'd love to go to Newport!"

"Of course," Jonah laughed. "Uncle Jonah would be happy to have you."

,

Layna knew exactly how to wrap adults around her finger. She turned to Scott, putting on her sweetest face. "Uncle Scott, can I go? I really want to see Newport."

Scott was a bit surprised-Layna was unusually well-behaved today. He knew Jonah was just being polite, so he said, “Maybe when you're on break, Layna. For now, your job is to focus on school."

Layna tried to hide her disappointment for Jonah's sake, flashing a bright smile. "Alright! Justin, when summer break comes, I'll come find you in Newport, okay?"

Justin nodded out of politeness, then turned to Pattie. "You're welcome too. Newport's full of cool places-I'll show you around when you come."

Layna's heart twisted with jealousy-Justin was so warm toward Pattie, but barely noticed her.

Pattie neither agreed nor refused. With all the adults watching, and as the birthday girl no less, she just gave Justin a polite smile.

She had no intention of going to Newport anyway. Home was where she wanted to stay.

She couldn't speak-Pattie was mute-so she preferred not to trouble anyone.

Just then, Herman called out, "Jonah, Mr. Stranz, please come in."noveldrama

Anastasia held Pattie's hand, worried Pattie might feel out of place.

There were so many guests today, and even though Pattie was the star of the show, she couldn't say a word. By the end of the night, everyone would know the Salstrom family's eldest daughter was mute.

But they'd also know that in the Salstrom family, Pattie's position was rock solid. Mute or not, nobody dared to cross her.

Pattie smiled at Anastasia, letting her know she was okay.

They all filed into the grand banquet hall. As Anastasia entered, she could feel the guests' eyes drifting her way.

Just seeing her brought back memories of that old scandal-what the gossip columns had dubbed the "Emmie White affair."

Of course, nobody was crass enough to mention it now.

Anastasia carried herself with confidence. She was Emmie White, after all-she didn't owe anyone an explanation, and even if she tried, these people wouldn't believe her.

She'd learned her lesson-the only person who could save her was herself. As long as her conscience was clear, nothing else mattered.

"Pattie, you look beautiful today," Katelyn said, gliding over with a big smile. "Let Grandma take a look at you. Qur eldest granddaughter just gorgeous! Your eyes and nose are exactly like your dad's."

Katelyn made sure everyone could hear, so it was clear Pattie was Herman's real daughter-not some outsider.

She held Pattie's hand tightly, beaming with pride-so different from how she'd been at Emmie and Nancy's baby shower years ago.

The guests picked up on the cue and started showering Pattie with compliments.

"She really is stunning, Katelyn. Your granddaughter's going to grow up to be a heartbreaker."

"Absolutely-such a lovely girl! I wonder which lucky family will win her over one

day."

It was all just flattery, an attempt to

get in the Salstroms' good graces. Everyone praised Pattie's looks, but not @single person

wish her a happy birthday

Pattie didn't mind. She hadn't agreed to this birthday party for their sake, anyway.

She couldn't speak, so she just smiled quietly. As the eldest daughter of the

Salstrom family, she wasn't about to let them down.

The party hadn't even started yet and Katelyn was already parading Pattie around, showing her off to everyone. Anastasia could see Katelyn was trying to make up for the past, so she didn't say anything.

Guests kept rolling in, arms full of gifts. There was even an entire room set aside just for presents.

Justin's painting for Pattie was there too, tucked away in one of the hotel rooms for safekeeping.

As the party was about to start, Pattie excused herself, saying she needed the restroom, but instead slipped away to the gift room.

She was worried-what if someone damaged Justin's painting?

When she pushed the door open, she caught Layna rifling through the gifts, her hands already on the painting, peeling back the cover.

Pattie rushed over, cheeks flushed with anger, and snatched the painting away, frantically signing: Don't touch my things!