The Bound Between Us

Chapter 427
“What are you up to, Joseph? One more step and I’m calling the police.” Joseph’s act of closing the door made Julie fearful.
“Then go ahead. Let everyone know that the heiress of the Brown family is fucked by me, the bastard of the Salstrom family,
right in this hotel.”
“You’re despicable.” Julie, enraged, slapped Joseph across the face.
Joseph was instantly furious. He caught Julie’s hand, forcefully threw her on the bed, and pinned her down.
“Joseph, let go of me! You... you bastard!”
Julie struggled vehemently, but eventually, her body betrayed her defiance. After having sex with her, Joseph dressed and left.
Julie lay on the bed, staring at the crystal chandelier above. The hatred was boiling within her. A lone tear slid down her cheek.
Anastasia was to blame. She had ruined everything for her, manipulated her. If it hadn’t been for Anastasia, she would have
been Herman’s wife, not at the mercy of Joseph.
“Anastasia, I’ll make you pay,” Julie murmured. Her fists clenched tightly around the bed sheets, and the hatred in her eyes was
fierce and unyielding.
Southridge Estates.
Anastasia eyed Herman as he stepped out of the bathroom. “Did you set up Julie and Joseph tonight?”
She knew Julie would be there, so she had hurriedly taken Herman away as soon as he entered the room. However, she hadn’t
expected Julie to end up entangled with Joseph.
Herman, clad in a bathrobe, toweled his hair dry. “I didn’t know Julie would be there. The room smelled of aphrodisiacs. If it was
Grannie Anita’s doing, then the aphrodisiacs would have been her idea too.” He was nearly the victim of a plot. How could he be
the one setting traps for others?
Anastasia didn’t respond. Today’s events had proven that Grannie Anita had no intention of accepting her.
Herman wrapped his arms around her from behind. “I’m sorry, Anastasia.”.

Anastasia understood that he was apologizing on behalf of Grannie Anita.
“Let’s sleep. I’m tired.” Anastasia gently pushed Herman away and laid down to rest.
Herman stared at Anastasia’s back in silence. After a moment, he changed into his pajamas, turned off the lights, and climbed
into bed, wrapping his arms around her like he always did.
Anastasia was still awake. When Herman’s arms encircled her, all her resentment and anger melted away. She was carrying
their child, a Salstrom heir, but Grannie Anita had chosen this time to create such a mess. How could Anastasia not feel hurt?
As her husband, how could Herman not understand Anastasia’s feelings?
The next day.
The couple maintained their usual routine. Herman would rise early, have breakfast with Anastasia, then drop Pattie off at school
on his way to the office. Anastasia stood at the door, watching them leave. Once they were gone, she listlessly returned to her
bedroom.
Salma, seeing that something was amiss, followed her into the room. “Ana, how about we go for a walk in the park today?”
“I don’t feel like it,” Anastasia replied. “I have to go to the restroom a lot. I don’t want to move.”
Salma smiled. “What do you feel like eating? I’ll go get it for you.”
“Mom, I’m not really hungry. Is there something you want to talk about?”
“I just noticed you’re preoccupied and thought a walk might help.” Salma said, “Tell me what’s wrong.”
Anastasia avoided her gaze. “There’s nothing wrong.”
“Your troubles are written all over your face.” Salma sat down next to her. “Pattie told me she got into a fight at school yesterday.”
“That did happen,” Anastasia admitted. “But it’s been resolved. It was just kids being kids.” Anastasia didn’t want Salma to worry,
so she didn’t tell her the whole truth.
Just then, their housekeeper Katie brought in some sliced fruit. “Madam, there’s been a man loitering around our front gate
recently. He seems suspicious. Should we call the police?”

“A man?” Anastasia was intrigued. “How come I’ve never seen him? What does he look like?”