The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Devin looked like he'd just been told his favorite sports team had lost in the final seconds of the game. His delicate, seemingly innocent daughter had somehow gotten herself involved in a murder.

For a few moments, Devin was frozen, then he quickly snapped back to reality. He covered Julie's mouth with his hand and whispered urgently, "You keep this to yourself, understand? Not a word to anyone." He tiptoed to the study door, peeking out to make sure the coast was clear before quietly closing it.

Meanwhile, the nanny, who had just managed to hide in the next room, was scared out of her wits. If the Browns found out she'd overheard, she knew she'd be in serious trouble.

Terrified and wanting to avoid any confrontation, the nanny slipped downstairs as quietly as possible, hoping no one would notice she'd been there.

Back in the study, Devin sternly warned Julie to keep her mouth shut.

Julie, looking as pale as a sheet, asked, "Dad, do you think Herman knows? Is that why he's going after the Brown Corporation?"

Devin shook his head. "If he knew, you wouldn't be standing here. Remember what happened to the nanny who drugged Anastasia? They say she ended up as fish food."

At that, Julie looked even more frightened, the thought of Herman throwing her into the ocean making her shudder.

"Dad, what should I do?"

"The case is closed, everyone thinks Anastasia did it. Just keep quiet, and we'll be fine. I'll talk to Feiman and get the wedding sorted out with Joseph. You're carrying the Salstrom heir; they won't touch you." Devin added, "You'd better get Joseph wrapped around your finger. If you can control him, you'll be set for life."

"I can't even see him. He's probably off messing around at some club..." Julie's voice was filled with frustration. She was pregnant with Joseph's child, yet he didn't seem to care.

He wasn't even interested in their wedding plans.

She didn't want to marry Joseph, but her pride wouldn't let her accept his indifference.

At Riverdale's hottest nightclub, Joseph had been partying for weeks, a different woman on his arm every night. To him, Julie was yesterday's news.

It was nine o'clock, and Joseph was about to head into a private booth with a girl on each arm when he spotted a group coming his way. Leading them was Herman.

Joseph whistled at Herman and smirked, "Well, if it isn't Mr. Salstrom. Out for some fun tonight? My treat. You're single now, no need to keep up the faithful husband act. Your ex is out of the picture."

Herman, fresh from a business meeting, frowned at Joseph's cocky demeanor.

One was the Salstrom family's black sheep, the other, its leader. The tension was palpable, and everyone nearby wished they were somewhere else.

Nelson, Herman's assistant, noticed his boss's expression. Since Herman's divorce from Anastasia, her name had been off-limits. Joseph was walking on thin ice.

Herman took a few steps forward, his gaze cutting through Joseph like a knife. "Heard you've been relying on little blue pills. They even call you 'Button Mushroom' behind your back. If you can't perform, don't drag innocent girls into your problems." Herman's words hit like a bombshell, leaving everyone around stunned.

Joseph's face turned red with anger. The last thing any man wanted was for his performance issues to be public knowledge.

"Who's been spreading these rumors?" Joseph demanded.

Herman smirked. Nelson stepped forward and said, "I was at a coffee shop the other day and overheard people talking. They said Mr. Salstrom from Eagle Corporation can't perform. And guess what? It was your fiancée who said it. I've got a recording. Want to hear it?" In Riverdale, everyone knew about Joseph and Julie's upcoming wedding, especially with Julie noticeably pregnant. Her words carried weight, and Joseph's nightly escapades only fueled the gossip.