The Bound Between Us

Chapter 404
Grannie Anita was well informed. Anastasia and Herman hadn’t had the chance to tell the Salstroms about Pattie’s true identity
yet, but somehow, Grannie Anita had already shown
Anastasia didn’t have time to ponder on that. She had to get back to the hospital as soon as possible. She had a gut feeling that
Julie was behind all this. That woman never let her have a moment’s peace.
At the hospital, Grannie Anita, stirred up by Julie, was sitting in the patient’s room, staring piercingly at Pattie. Pattie was
frightened of the old woman and cowered behind Monica. Even Monica was unnerved by Grannie Anita’s hawk-like gaze.
Anastasia, having rushed back, immediately took in the scene. “Pattie.” She cast a worried glance at Pattie, relieved to find her
unharmed.
“Mom,” Pattie said. She was visibly less scared now that Anastasia was there.
Monica gestured towards Grannie Anita, whispering, “Your grandmother is over there.”
Anastasia had spotted Grannie Anita the moment she walked in. With a sigh of exasperation, she said, “Grandma, let’s talk
outside.”
“Why, can’t we talk here?” Grannie Anita rasped, leaning on her cane with a grim expression. “Anastasia, my grandson got
mixed up with you. Was it part of your plan? Did you know that this girl is your daughter? You tricked my grandson into adopting
her? You are really cunning. You’ve played a big game.”
Before coming here, Julie had been fueling Grannie Anita’s anger, maliciously speculating about Anastasia’s intentions and
adding fuel to the fire.
Anastasia marveled at Grannie Anita’s imagination. “Grandma, I didn’t deceive Herman. I just found out that Pattie is my
daughter,” Anastasia patiently explained.
Salma joined in, “Anita, Ana is telling the truth. If anyone’s to blame, it’s me. I was the one who lost the child.”
“You mother and daughter are playing me for a fool. My grandson might believe you, but I certainly don’t,” Grannie Anita retorted.
“Anastasia, you’re taking advantage. You’re pregnant and now you’re trying to push your daughter into the Salstrom family too.
We’re not going to raise this bastard for you.”

The term “bastard” made Anastasia’s face harden, and her tone became colder, “Grandma, I respect you as an elder. That’s why
I’m explaining. I understand your feelings, so I’m speaking to you politely. You can vent your anger on me, but you can’t insult a
child like that.”
Monica chimed in, “Grannie Anita, you’re supposed to be from a respectable family. The term ‘bastard’ is too harsh. It seems the
Salstrom family doesn’t have much etiquette. Anastasia isn’t trying to curry favor with your family. Her relationship with Herman
is mutual. You’re old now. Why don’t you mind your own business and let the young people handle theirs?”
“Sharp tongued lass,” Grannie Anita huffed, jabbing her cane on the floor. “You’re so disrespectful and impolite. You’ll have a
hard time finding a husband. If I were your future mother-in-law, I’d never accept you.”
Monica countered, “Whether I get married or not has nothing to do with you, Grannie Anita. I’m not marrying into your family. If
any family has a grandmother-in-law like you, I’d rather stay single all my life.”