The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia felt like she'd stumbled upon a lifeline, a spark of hope, and she was buzzing with excitement. The doll had been tossed out by Cynthia, and the hotel janitor had mentioned seeing a doll talking to Pattie. It couldn't just be a coincidence that it was the same doll. Deep down, Anastasia was sure Gianna was involved.

Unable to contain her excitement, Anastasia was ready to confront Gianna, but Dailey stopped her, "Sis, these aren't solid evidence. They just make Gianna look more suspicious. If you rush over now, you'll just tip her off." "I know, but I can't hold back, Dailey. I've finally got a lead. Pattie must have been taken by Gianna, I'm sure of it."

While Anastasia and Dailey talked, the old lady from the neighborhood tried to slip away quietly. Anastasia noticed and quickly caught up to her. "Hey, can I buy that doll from you? Name your price, I'll pay."

This was crucial evidence. The old lady was hesitant, "My grandson loves it. If I sell it, he'll definitely cry..."

"How about a hundred bucks?" Anastasia offered, pulling out her phone. "I'll transfer it to you right now. That's more than enough to buy several of these dolls."

The old lady's eyes lit up at the mention of a hundred bucks. It was like finding money on the street. Seeing how straightforward Anastasia was, she decided to push her luck, "Make it two hundred, take it or leave it." Anastasia agreed without a second thought, "Alright, two hundred, I'll send it now."

The old lady immediately regretted not asking for more but, seeing Dailey with Anastasia, she didn't make a fuss. She happily took the money and handed over the doll. Feeling like she'd just scored an easy two hundred bucks, the old lady was quite pleased, thinking how some folks just don't know the value of money these days.

Having secured the doll, Anastasia calmed down and focused on Gianna's apartment, "Just keep an eye on her, and I refuse to believe we can't find Pattie."

Anastasia decided not to involve the police this time, knowing their approach might tip Gianna off and ruin everything. Dailey said, "Gianna hasn't left her apartment in a week. She's bound to step out soon; no one stays cooped up at home forever."

"Keep the doll safe, and we'll continue to watch tomorrow. If she doesn't leave, we'll find a way to lure her out." Anastasia resisted the urge to confront Gianna. After months of searching, what was a little longer?

Dailey offered, "Let me take you home, it's late, and the boss will worry about you."

Herman had been swamped lately. Anastasia asked, "Dailey, do you think Herman can manage the issue with Flynn?"

"The boss won't let his brother end up in jail," Dailey assured her. "It's a tricky situation, but he can handle it. The contract was signed under false pretenses; that's our way out."

Anastasia knew she couldn't help much with that. Her role was to avoid adding to Herman's stress.

When Anastasia got home, Herman hadn't returned yet. Salma had made chicken soup and kept it warm on the stove. She served Anastasia a bowl when she arrived.

Salma knew she couldn't do much about the family business troubles or finding Pattie, but she could ensure Anastasia was well-fed. After a bowl of chicken soup and some chicken pieces, Anastasia knew she needed to stay healthy for the baby. It was crucial to maintain her strength and health.

"Mom, can I have some more?" Anastasia asked, her appetite surprisingly strong.

Salma was pleased, "Of course, I'll get it. It's good to see you eating well; you've lost some weight recently."

While most expectant mothers gain weight, Anastasia had lost a few pounds, which worried Salma. Pregnancy had been tough on Anastasia's appetite, and the stress didn't help. But today, she felt genuinely hungry.

Salma served another bowl of rice, suggesting, "Add some chicken soup to the rice; it tastes even better."

"Sure." After another big sip of chicken soup, Anastasia said, "Mom, I found a clue today. In Gianna's neighborhood, I ran into their neighbor wearing the same doll costume as the person who took Pattie. I asked around, and it turns out it was Aunt Cynthia who threw it out. This proves Gianna wore the costume and took Pattie."