The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Tavon had finally played it straight this time.

Anastasia had a lawyer verify the documents, and both the stock transfer and the declaration were legit and legally binding. She was pretty taken aback, to be honest. It was like Tavon had woken up from a long slumber, a changed man. Even though Anastasia had always known Tavon to be a self-serving guy, never one for selfless acts, the fact that he had taken such a risk, handing over the company to her for the sake of Morton Group, was quite the shocker. Salma even said, "In his whole life, this is probably the only decent thing your dad's done. To him, Morton Group was everything. Gotta say, he didn't bet on the wrong horse."

And Tavon had indeed bet correctly; Anastasia's ultimate backbone was still the Salstrom family.

"I'll give Herman a call now," Anastasia said, "have him dig into Morton Group's situation. Know your enemy, right? Then we can plan our next move."

With that, she called Herman.

Elysian Technologies was brimming with talent; these guys ate this kind of work for breakfast. At Herman's command, within half an hour, all the intel on Morton Group was faxed over to Anastasia.

At the president's office of Elysian Technologies, Herman was a bit worried Anastasia might be in over her head when Flynn passed by the office door.

"Flynn, come here," Herman called him in.

Flynn waltzed in with a grin, "What's up, boss?"

Herman rolled his eyes at the brown-nosing display, "Cut the act. At 4:30 PM, go pick up Pattie from school. Look after her for the next few days. I need to make a trip to Willowbrook."

"You're heading to Willowbrook for Anastasia?" Flynn asked. "I heard Tavon had a stroke."

"Mind your own business and maybe take a leaf out of Nelson's book," Herman scolded.

Just then, Nelson walked in, "Mr. Salstrom, did you need me?"

"I'm off to Willowbrook. Call me if there's an emergency. Anything else, Flynn can handle," Herman indicated toward Flynn.

Nelson chuckled, "Understood, Mr. Salstrom. Oh, and about the person who tried to play us last time, we haven't caught them yet. It's like they don't exist, as if it was all just a coincidence. Maybe we've been looking in the wrong direction?"

"They'll try again since they failed the first time. No rush," Herman patted Nelson on the shoulder. "Just keep an eye on this one, don't repeat the last mistake. If they're after Elysian Technologies, they'll likely target Flynn again. Stay sharp, and we might just draw them out."

Flynn grimaced, "Herman, you're using me as bait!"

Herman snorted, "At least you're aware of your usefulness. That's something."

Nelson held back a laugh, "Mr. Salstrom, the Brown Corporation will declare bankruptcy within three days, and I've also bolstered our presence at the hospital."

"Well done. I'll remember that at bonus time," Herman grabbed his coat, "Flynn, don't mess up picking up Pattie. If you do, you'll answer to me."

"Come on, Herman, I'm not that useless. It's just picking up Pattie, piece of cake," Flynn boasted. "I'll make sure she's safe and sound when you and Anastasia get back."

"You and your big mouth," Herman quipped. "Might want to keep it shut."

Flynn had an infamous track record with his mouth, once casually wishing for a rival to have an illegitimate child pop up and stir up some drama, and lo and behold, one actually appeared.

Embarrassed, Flynn scratched his head; his mouth seemed to have a mind of its own.

Herman, seeking to surprise Anastasia, only took Dailey with him on his discreet trip to Willowbrook. Meanwhile, after reviewing Morton Group's situation, Anastasia, with a lawyer and Salma in tow, made her way to the Morton family home.

As the evening approached, Ashley was incensed upon hearing from the nanny that Anastasia had come over. "The nerve of her! To think she'd dare to show her face here. I thought I made it clear, our family is no place for her kind. Kick her out, don't let her in."

"But ma'am," the nanny interjected, "Ms. Jewell mentioned she knew you wouldn't want to see her. She said if you refuse to meet, she'll bring the stock transfer agreement to the board tomorrow, suggesting you weigh your options."

Upon hearing this, Ashley's face turned sour, "What is she playing at? Trying to steal the company from my son? Her true colors are showing now. I always knew those two were no good."

"Mother," Sandy Morton descended the staircase, her white dress flowing and her dark hair cascading over her shoulders, her calm beauty reminiscent of a serene orchid, "Let them in."