The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Ashley was always the spitfire, quick to take action. She had everything planned out long before Anastasia and Salma arrived, ready to seize the moment.

They climbed the stairs together and soon found themselves in the bedroom where Tavon lay, bedridden from a stroke. Despite his condition, Tavon looked well cared for his clothes were neat, his complexion healthy, and there was no sign of neglect. Sandy, sounding defensive, said, "Ever since Dad had the stroke, Mom's been taking care of him. You've got it all wrong about her. Dad's accident was just that—an accident. No one could've predicted it."

Tavon's stroke-stricken face lit up with emotion upon seeing Anastasia and Salma. He made muffled sounds, trying desperately to speak, and his eyes blinked rapidly.

Ashley, seething, snapped, "Tavon, you ungrateful man! I've been by your side this whole time and you've never made a peep. But here you are, all excited for these two hussies."

"Tavon," Salma murmured, her heart aching seeing him unable to speak.

Anastasia stepped forward. "Dad."

At her voice, Tavon's excitement peaked. He tried desperately to reach for Anastasia, but his stiff hand refused to obey his brain's command.

"Dad? Some dad! You little brat, don't throw that word around," Ashley sneered. "Look, he's sick, but I've been taking good care of him. Whoever you think hurt him, if you keep causing a scene like this, I'll call the cops." "Mom, don't talk like that," Sandy, ever the peacemaker, tried to smooth things over. "Sis has every right to worry about Dad. She's entitled to visit him."

With that, Sandy reassured Anastasia, "You and Auntie are welcome to see Dad anytime."

It's hard to be harsh to someone who's being polite and reasonable. Sandy's gracious demeanor made it difficult to raise one's voice in return.

"I understand," Anastasia said, her tone matching Sandy's. "It's just such a shock to see someone so vibrant laid low so suddenly."

"Mom was devastated when Dad fell ill," Sandy responded empathetically. "It took a lot of comforting words from me before she could even begin to cope."

Anastasia inquired, "What does the doctor say? Is there any chance of recovery?"

Sandy shook her head. "Dad's condition is severe, his muscles are starting to atrophy. At his age, his recovery is just not what it used to be. Mom's been giving him massages, hoping to fend off the muscle wasting."

"That's really tough," Anastasia said, matching Sandy's tone. "Taking care of someone sick requires a lot of patience. By the way, I heard that the Morton Group is now under Sean's management, and he's doing quite well. Seems like he's got a knack for business." Anastasia was somewhat taken aback by the state of Morton Group's affairs. Knowing Sean only briefly, she could tell he was impulsive and not exactly stellar in management. Yet his early accomplishments as the head of the company were impressive, with bold decisions that didn't seem characteristic of Sean.

She suspected Sean had help from behind the scenes.

Hearing praise of Sean, Ashley puffed up with pride. "Of course my son is capable. If only Tavon had handed over control sooner, the company might have reached new heights by now."

Bedridden, Tavon could only listen silently, equally surprised by his son's capabilities.

Anastasia smiled thinly. "Not just your son, you've also got a beautiful and smart daughter."

At Anastasia's words, a flicker of something passed in Sandy's eyes, but her face maintained its harmless smile.

"I'm nothing compared to you, sis. I was in and out of hospitals for a while with my own health issues. If I'd known I had a sister out there, I would have been thrilled to have Dad bring you home sooner." Anastasia simply smiled; she wasn't sure she wanted this kind of sister.

"Let's cut to the chase," she said firmly. "I came today to take Dad with me to Riverdale Hospital for treatment. There might still be hope for his recovery."

"No way," Ashley retorted instantly. "Why should you take him? Are we out of Mortons? Tavon has a son and a daughter. It's not your place as some illegitimate child to take him away. We'll be the laughing stock." Sandy interjected, "Sis, I get that you miss Dad, but taking him away like this doesn't seem right. We've already secured the best doctors for him and planned to take him to Riverdale ourselves."

"This decision isn't up to you or me. We have to consider what Dad wants," Anastasia turned to Tavon. "Dad, if you want to come with me, just blink your eyes."