The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia didn't dig into Julie's case much, so she didn't know about the sentencing. Herman avoided bringing up such topics around Anastasia to keep her from worrying.

At the precinct, Monica drove straight there from Southridge Estates, determined to catch someone off guard. She couldn't believe Jason wouldn't show up eventually. Without giving Jason a heads-up, she settled in the office to wait. Hank, grinning, said, "Monica, Jason's really slammed with work. Want me to give him a call to come back?"

"No need, I'll just hang out here," Monica replied with a smile. "Go ahead with your work; I'm pretty familiar with the precinct."

Monica had been here countless times with Jason and even helped solve a few cases, so there wasn't a corner she didn't know.

"Alright, make yourself at home. If you need anything, just shout," Hank said. He was the only one in the precinct who knew about Monica and Jason's relationship and was eager to impress the future sister-in-law.

As Hank was leaving, the door swung open-Alisa walked in, not Jason. Seeing Alisa, Hank thought, "Uh-oh."

Everyone at the precinct knew about Alisa's feelings for Jason, but Monica was Jason's official girlfriend. A face-off between them could get complicated.

Hank cheerfully greeted, "Hey, Alisa, you're here too. Jason's not around right now."

Alisa's expression soured at being called "Sister-in-law Will." Hank used to call her the coveted sister-in-law, and the quick switch was jarring.

Alisa, wishing to move past her late husband's shadow, said with a neutral face, "Hank, just call me Alisa from now on. It's been ages since Will passed, and hearing his name brings back tough memories."

"My bad, Alisa it is," Hank quickly corrected. "Jason's not here, but I can pass on a message if you like."

Alisa glanced at Monica on the sofa and said, "No, I'll wait here."

Hank felt a sense of déjà vu and realized the tension was thick. Knowing better than to linger, he excused himself with a smile and quickly left, dialing Jason as soon as he was out. "Jason, you need to come over. Alisa and Monica are both in your office waiting..." Inside the office, it was just Monica and Alisa now, each aware of the other's silent strategy.

The atmosphere was a silent battlefield.

Alisa sat across from Monica, greeted her politely, "Monica, it's been a while. You're looking more stunning than ever. I wish I had half your looks and business savvy."

Alisa's admiration was tinged with envy. Compared to Monica, she felt like a plain housewife, lacking Monica's vibrant beauty and youthful energy. In terms of earning potential, she couldn't compete.

"Why are you looking for Jason?" Monica asked bluntly, cutting to the point.

"Jason's been promoted recently, so he's swamped and often forgets to eat. He has a stomach condition, so I brought him some meds," Alisa explained softly, though her words were pointed. "Last Wednesday, he overdid it drinking with my dad and ended up sick." Monica remembered that last Wednesday was when Jason ignored her calls and texts. It turned out he was out drinking with Alisa's father.

Alisa's smile was gentle yet held a bit of pity. "Monica, as a widow, you know how hard it is to hold a family together alone. Without Jason's help, my kids, my in-laws, and I would be lost. I know you care about Jason, but we can't survive without him. Could you find it in your heart to understand and not fight for his attention?"