The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Gianna drove around the city, making her way through downtown before finally heading towards the suburbs. She was deliberately taking the scenic route, and Dailey, who was tailing her, noted her caution. She was definitely being extra careful. This was exactly what Dailey suspected. Gianna had been driving in circles on purpose, eventually steering towards the neighborhood where she and Joey Edmunds used to live.

Dailey, keeping a close but discreet eye on her, was relaying everything to Herman over the phone. Working for Herman meant he had to keep him updated at all times. With Anastasia expecting and unable to be on the frontlines, Herman had tasked Dailey with tracking Gianna's movements. Hearing the latest update, Herman instructed, "Keep following her. Let me know where she ends up. I'll head over shortly."

"Got it, boss," Dailey replied, maintaining a safe distance from Gianna as he followed her.

When Gianna parked in a large residential complex, Dailey made sure not to get too close, eventually losing sight of her at the entrance. Reporting back to Herman, they both realized this was where Gianna and Joey used to live. So, she was likely visiting their old place- a lead they could easily follow up with the property management.

Following Herman's orders, Dailey went to check with the property office.

Meanwhile, Gianna parked in the underground garage and carried two bags of snacks as she took the elevator up to her apartment. Entering the room where Pattie was kept, the scene was grim. Pattie had become more withdrawn, flinching at the sudden light and hiding under the covers.

Gianna set the snacks on the table and tidied up the room, which was filled with the stench of Pattie's confinement. After cleaning, she sat down, watching Pattie who was huddled at the bed's edge.

"Are you afraid of me?" Gianna asked, although Pattie could only stare back with wide eyes. Her matted hair and unwashed state painted a sorry picture.

Talking more to herself, Gianna murmured, "You know, Pattie, staying here isn't all bad. I provide for you, and as long as you listen, you're safe. The outside world is dangerous. I'm protecting you. We're both stuck in this darkness, aren't we? When will it all end?" Pattie could only make incomprehensible sounds, having lost the ability to speak clearly. Gianna couldn't understand her but gave a cold smile, "With you here, I'm not alone. We're both in this together, Pattie."

Gianna spent about forty minutes talking at Pattie, reminiscing about her past. "I used to be so beautiful, you know. I had it all-married Joey, and for eight years, everyone envied us. But now, it's Anastasia who gets all the praise..."

Pattie, being just a child, couldn't comprehend the intricacies of adult envy and grievances, only feeling fear and disdain for Gianna.

When Gianna left the room with a trash bag, she caught sight of Dailey in a reflection. Realizing she was being watched, she stayed calm, disposed of the trash, and then returned inside to sit and watch TV.

Outside, Dailey was puzzled. He watched Gianna for a long time, seeing her just sitting there, seemingly absorbed in the television. Was it possible Gianna had spent all that time just cleaning? And why had she come back to the house she once shared with Joey?