The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 957

Layna’s words hit Juliana right in the heart, leaving her aching with sympathy and even softening up Scott’s usually ironclad resolve.

After all, his late sister’s only child stood before him. No matter how hard-edged he liked to be, Scott couldn’t bring himself to be truly cold to his niece—not with the memory of his sister so fresh in her eyes.

Layna was sharp, no question. With just a few heartfelt words, she’d blown away Scott’s anger and left him feeling a little guilty, too.

Juliana rushed over, wrapping Layna in a tight hug and breaking down in tears. “Oh, my poor Layna. You may not have a mom, but you have me. I’m your aunt, and I’ll be your mom from now on.”

“Mom!” Layna sobbed, flinging herself into Juliana’s arms.

The two of them cried loudly, putting on a show that left Scott standing there, caught off guard and torn.

Catching a glimpse of Scott’s wavering, Juliana and Layna exchanged a quick, knowing look. Realizing their act was working, they ramped up the waterworks—even though it was mostly just for show.

Scott, growing more frustrated, was about to lose his patience when the butler he’d summoned finally arrived. Any hint of softness vanished from his face as he told the butler, “Take Layna to Windsor Academy. Right now.”

Juliana’s grip on Layna tightened as her tears became real. “No way! I don’t agree to this. If you want to take Layna, you’ll have to get through me first!”

Scott was taken aback, but her words only made him more determined to send Layna away.

He stepped forward and pulled Juliana away from Layna. “You’re being unreasonable. Sending her to Windsor is for her own good. Spoiling her is just making things worse. If Layna’s turned out like this, you’re partly to blame.”

Juliana shot back, voice shaking, “You call that education? Everyone knows the kind of kids who end up at Windsor. Layna won’t survive their rules. That place crushes kids.”

This was the fiercest argument she and Scott had ever had. Meanwhile, Layna had gone quiet, wiping away her tears.

She knew that if she wanted to stay part of the Stranz family, she had no choice but to go to Windsor.

“I’ll go, Uncle,” Layna said, wiping her face and forcing a small smile for Juliana. “Don’t worry about me, Aunt Julie. Uncle’s just looking out for me. I’ll be back before you know it. I’ll be okay.”

From the moment Layna stepped through those gates, her world changed forever.

Back at the hotel, the birthday party was already underway.

Herman stood on stage, giving a formal introduction about Pattie’s past. He didn’t spell out every detail—just told the guests Pattie was his long-lost daughter, now finally back with her family.

After his speech, Pattie appeared in a beautiful dress, escorted onto the stage by Anastasia, looking every bit like a princess surrounded by family and friends.

For Pattie, who’d suffered so much, tonight was like a dream come true.

In the audience, Autumn watched the happy family on stage, her heart twisting with jealousy and sorrow.

Noticing her pale face, Mr. Walker leaned over, worry etched into his features. “Sweetheart, are you alright? You don’t look so well.”