The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Herman mused with a trace of irony, "The Browns sure are ambitious."

Years of navigating the cutthroat business world had honed Herman's instincts; the Browns' subtle maneuvers were transparent to him.

"Boss," Dailey said, worry etched on his face, "Uncle suggested Joseph rejoin the Salstrom clan. If he marries into the Browns after that, it's obvious he's after your position. Are you really okay with Joseph coming back to the Salstroms? After that last showdown at the family hall, those old timers were definitely swayed by Joseph. If he gets back into the family, he'll be a ticking time bomb."

Herman's expression turned icy. "Then we'll cut off his escape routes. Keep a close eye on the Browns."

Dailey looked puzzled. "Boss, are you going to make a move against the Browns?"

Herman's voice carried a deep meaning. "Everything comes with a price."

If Julie hadn't used Granny Anita as a pawn, she wouldn't have cast doubt on Anastasia's unborn child, and they wouldn't be in this mess.

At that moment, Herman could barely contain his desire to tear Julie to shreds.

The Browns had outlived their usefulness.

As Dailey's car idled at a downtown intersection waiting for the light, Herman's gaze fell on a familiar figure in the square.

Anastasia.

Even amidst the bustling crowd, he recognized her instantly.

His calm façade masked an inner storm, but he steeled himself, not letting his emotions show. He allowed himself to greedily watch her retreating back for just a moment longer.

Anastasia, alongside Gianna, parked their car and headed toward the mall. Just a few steps in, she felt a piercing gaze on her. As if by instinct, she turned sharply, her eyes scanning the crowd, landing on a black sedan across the street.

Seeing Herman's car, Anastasia's heart ached, and she stumbled forward involuntarily. She knew he was in there, watching her.

The car window obscured her view, but she felt it in her bones-Herman was there.

The light turned green, and Dailey drove off. As the car disappeared into the traffic, Anastasia's gaze lingered before fading. "Anastasia, come on, what are you staring at?" Gianna asked, puzzled.

Anastasia pulled her gaze back, suppressing the pain in her heart. "Nothing. Let's go."

To her and Herman, they were now strangers passing without recognition.

She had thought in a city as vast as Riverdale, their paths would never cross again, but fate had a cruel sense of humor. Southridge Estates.

Herman walked in, ascended the stairs, with Dailey waiting below.

After so many years by Herman's side, Dailey had an inkling why his boss had returned here.

This was the house Herman shared with Anastasia-their real home. During the renovations, Herman had built a playground for Pattie, and when Anastasia was pregnant, he remodeled a nursery, buying clothes, toys, strollers, and cribs for the baby. All for naught.

Herman stepped into the nursery, recalling days spent decorating with Anastasia, their dreams for their child, the names they'd considered...

His hand rested on a small wooden rocking horse, his eyes reddening. The pain of losing a child was indelibly etched in his heart.

This house was meant to be a home for Anastasia, for their children.

Anastasia's presence lingered in every corner, as did Pattie's laughter.

But now, everything belonging to Anastasia was meticulously cleared away, as if she had never been there. The vast house was silent, cold, devoid of warmth. Herman lay on the bed they once shared, his mind flooded with memories of Anastasia nestled in his arms. The tender images blurred as his eyes moistened.

A single divorce paper, a broken promise, and they became strangers in a sprawling city.

From now on, she would only catch glimpses of his life through the news.

Seasons changed.

Herman's wounds hadn't fully healed, but he returned to the helm of the company with an iron fist, colder and more ruthless than before. He rallied all the company's resources to topple Brown Corporation.

Like a levee failing under relentless waves, Herman infiltrated Brown Corporation, piece by piece.

Dreaming of Julie marrying into the Salstroms, Devin and Feiman were preoccupied with wedding plans, neglecting their defenses. By the time Devin realized what was happening, several projects were halted due to severed funding, banks refused loans, and existing debts were being called in.

One misstep, and Brown Corporation might collapse. That's when Devin truly panicked.