The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia felt a chill run through her entire body, her limbs cold and heavy. She couldn't imagine how she would go on if something had truly happened to Herman. It felt like her whole world was falling apart.

The news of the landslide in Green Valley spread like wildfire online, and it wasn't long before everyone heard that Herman, the CEO of Elysian Technologies, was among the missing. The whole town of Riverdale was buzzing with rumors, wondering if Herman had indeed been caught in the disaster.

Flynn and Joseph Salstrom rushed over to Southridge Estates as soon as they heard, worried sick that Anastasia might do something drastic. Joseph was especially anxious to find out if the rumors about Herman were true.

Feiman also arrived in a hurry, joining the family in a frantic meeting to figure out a plan to head to Green Valley and look for him. They needed to find him-alive or, heaven forbid, otherwise. With no official confirmation, they clung to hope, refusing to believe the worst.

Salma returned from her shift at the hotel, turning pale when she heard about Herman. If he really was gone, what would become of Anastasia? How would the family manage, with elderly parents and young kids to care for?

As everyone was deep in discussion, Salma suddenly realized Anastasia was nowhere to be found. "Where's Ana? Has anyone seen her?" she asked urgently.

Only then did they notice her absence. Salma immediately called Anastasia, who was already on her way to Green Valley with Christen. She had spontaneously bought a plane ticket to Springfield, determined to find Herman. When Katelyn found out, she insisted on going too. "Flynn, get us tickets! I need to find Herman," she urged.

Feiman volunteered to go as well, but Katelyn shot him down. "You're not well; what if something happens to you? Who's going to deal with that?"

At this point, Feiman confessed, "I'm not sick, Katelyn. I lied to get you to move back to Salstrom Manor."

"Feiman, you deceitful man!" Katelyn fumed. "You dare lie about something like that? I'm going to find our son, and we'll deal with this when I return."

Turning to Salma, Katelyn requested, "Could you please look after the kids while I'm gone?"

Understanding the gravity of the situation, Salma reassured her, "Don't worry, I've got it covered. And let's keep hoping for the best. If Nelson and Dailey are okay, Herman might be too."

With that assurance, the Salstroms set off for Springfield, with Feiman, Flynn, and Katelyn all making the journey together. Joseph decided to stay behind, feeling there were already enough people involved.

Meanwhile, Anastasia had already reached the airport, going through security and preparing to board her flight. Monica called her after seeing the news. "Ana, I saw what happened in Green Valley. Have you heard from Herman? Is he alright?" "I can't reach him," Anastasia replied, trying to keep her voice steady. "I'm on my way to Springfield, about to board. I'll keep you posted."

Despite her calm facade, Anastasia was a mess inside. Her hands were cold, her heart pounding with anxiety. She dreaded what she might find whether she would return with Herman, or... face a grim reality.

Upon landing in Springfield, she immediately rented a car and drove to the hospital to get answers. Dailey and Nelson were already there, both injured.

The hospital was overwhelmed with the injured, their families, and journalists capturing the tragic scene. Nelson lay on a hospital bed, his leg pierced by shattered glass, while Dailey suffered multiple fractures, unable to move. Anastasia approached Dailey, desperate for information. "Was Herman in the car with you? If you and Nelson made it here, where is he?"

Dailey shook his head regretfully. "He wasn't with us. We had two cars. Nelson and I were in one, with a driver. Herman was in the lead car with his bodyguards and a driver. I was supposed to ride with him, but I switched at the last minute." Neither Dailey nor Nelson knew the fate of Herman's car, and Anastasia felt a cold dread creeping in. "Was Herman's car ahead of you? Did they make it into the tunnel?"

Her question hung in the air, filled with hope and fear, as they all waited for news that could change everything.