The Bound Between Us

Chapter 425
Julie took the key card, barely able to contain her excitement any longer. She sprayed herself with perfume, slipped on her coat,
and headed out.
According to the plan she had concocted with Grannie Anita, once she entered the room and got things underway, Grannie Anita
would pretend to come to pick up Herman and catch him in the act with Julie. That way, Herman wouldn’t be able to deny
anything, and Grannie Anita would have the perfect leverage to force him to divorce Anastasia.
Julie could already envision herself marrying Herman. Her heart was bubbling with joy.
Upon arriving at room 1122, Julie found the door slightly ajar. The room was dark, and Julie quickly shut the door behind her
without turning on the lights. If Herman saw her face, the plan might be ruined.
Borrowing the light from outside the window, Julie noticed a figure on the bed. She slowly approached, “Herman?”
Before she could get a good look at the person on the bed, a hand reached out, pulling her into a warm embrace. “You smell
good.”
The deep voice, coupled with the sudden immersion into a man’s arms, sent Julie’s heart racing. She didn’t even bother to
identify the voice. It sounded enough like Herman.
And after all, this was all arranged by Grannie Anita. Julie had no reason to doubt. She was confident the man was Herman. The
sudden happiness made her almost oblivious, leaving no room for overthinking.
“Herman.” Julie took the initiative, wrapping her arms around his neck and leaning in for a kiss.
Julie’s sensual figure, mixed with the intoxicating perfume, left the man defenseless. Like a ravenous wolf, he couldn’t resist
devouring Julie, claiming her with a fervor.
Julie had never felt such joy before, passionately calling out, “Herman, Herman, I love you. I’m your woman now. I’m so happy...”
Next door.
A slightly sober Herman was puzzled. “Why are you here, Ana?”

“If I didn’t come, you’d be hooking up with Julie now,” Anastasia stated, a bit annoyed. “You need to learn to protect yourself
when you’re out, Herman. This is the second time I’m reminding you. From now on, no more alcohol.”
Drinking could lead to trouble. Herman had almost been tricked before during a business trip to Crescent Bay, and now he had
almost fallen into Grannie Anita’s trap.
Suddenly apprehensive, Herman took Anastasia’s hand, coaxing her gently, “Honey, what happened? Why would I be with
Julie?”
“Are you sober yet? If you are, brace yourself for a show. I’m guessing Grannie Anita is waiting downstairs at the hotel right now.”
Anastasia’s words only confused Herman more. Julie, Grannie Anita, hooking up... It didn’t take Herman long to connect the
dots. “Grannie set this up?”
Anastasia chuckled scornfully, “What do you think? If I didn’t come today, would you fall into the trap and betray me?”
After the social event, Herman had been helped back to room 1122 by Nelson to rest. The vigilant Anastasia immediately moved
Herman from room 1122 to room 1123 next door to sober up.
Herman never thought Grannie Anita could be so foolish. He held Anastasia’s hand, “Honey, I promised you. You’re the only
woman in my life, and I’ll never touch alcohol again. I’ll go and confront Grannie about this later.” If Grannie Anita continued
being so unsupportive, Herman wouldn’t never bring Anastasia back to Salstrom Manor.
Just as Anastasia predicted, Grannie Anita was waiting downstairs in the hotel. After about forty or fifty minutes, she felt that
enough time had passed, and finally went upstairs.
Grannie Anita was overjoyed, as if she was about to hold her great-grandchild. She had the hotel staff help open the door and
walked in alone, leaving the driver to wait outside.
Grannie Anita turned on the light cheerfully. “Herman, why did you drink so much? Grannie’s here to take you home...”
Before she could finish her sentence, Grannie Anita saw the man lying on the bed. She froze, and her voice was shaking, “Why
is it you...”