The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 950

Layna had that sugary, sing-song voice that adults just couldn’t resist. She wasn’t clueless—if she ever wanted to become the Wisman family’s daughter-in-law, she had to win Jonah over first.

Kids these days might look innocent, but their minds are always working overtime.

To Jonah, though, Layna was just an eight-year-old girl—at that age, she was supposed to be all fun and games. He never imagined she had any other motives.

Jonah smiled and tossed out a compliment. “Layna’s such a sweetheart—so charming! You should come visit us in Newport sometime.”

Layna’s eyes lit up. “Really, Uncle Jonah? I’d love to go to Newport!”

“Of course,” Jonah laughed. “Uncle Jonah would be happy to have you.”

Layna knew exactly how to wrap adults around her finger. She turned to Scott, putting on her sweetest face. “Uncle Scott, can I go? I really want to see Newport.”

Scott was a bit surprised—Layna was unusually well-behaved today. He knew Jonah was just being polite, so he said, “Maybe when you’re on break, Layna. For now, your job is to focus on school.”

Layna tried to hide her disappointment for Jonah’s sake, flashing a bright smile. “Alright! Justin, when summer break comes, I’ll come find you in Newport, okay?”

Justin nodded out of politeness, then turned to Pattie. “You’re welcome too. Newport’s full of cool places—I’ll show you around when you come.”

Layna’s heart twisted with jealousy—Justin was so warm toward Pattie, but barely noticed her.

Pattie neither agreed nor refused. With all the adults watching, and as the birthday girl no less, she just gave Justin a polite smile.

She had no intention of going to Newport anyway. Home was where she wanted to stay.

She couldn’t speak—Pattie was mute—so she preferred not to trouble anyone.

Just then, Herman called out, “Jonah, Mr. Stranz, please come in.”

Anastasia held Pattie’s hand, worried Pattie might feel out of place.

There were so many guests today, and even though Pattie was the star of the show, she couldn’t say a word. By the end of the night, everyone would know the Salstrom family’s eldest daughter was mute.

But they’d also know that in the Salstrom family, Pattie’s position was rock solid. Mute or not, nobody dared to cross her.

Pattie smiled at Anastasia, letting her know she was okay.

They all filed into the grand banquet hall. As Anastasia entered, she could feel the guests’ eyes drifting her way.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify