The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 979

Pattie had just been wheeled out of surgery and into her hospital room. Anastasia, Katelyn, and the rest of the family rushed in, all anxious to see her.

Pattie was still out cold, but Anastasia couldn’t help herself—she gripped Pattie’s hand, her heart practically bursting with relief and joy.

Katelyn beamed. “The surgery was a total success! Once Pattie’s throat heals, she’ll finally be able to talk. This is huge for the Salstrom family. Honestly, it’s the best news we’ve had in years.”

Salma let out a long breath, a genuine smile spreading across her face. “Yeah, I can finally stop worrying. That poor girl’s been through enough.”

Out of all her grandchildren, Salma felt the most guilt over Pattie. She’d always loved her the most, too. The regret ran deep—if only she hadn’t lost Pattie all those years ago, maybe things would have turned out differently.

Feiman watched over Pattie as she slept, his expression soft. “She’s paid her dues and then some. Now it’s time for smooth sailing—may she always be safe, happy, and healthy.”

Monica nudged Anastasia, grinning. “Ana, you can finally relax. The surgery was a homerun.”

Flynn chimed in, “Told you it’d be fine! Dr. James is the best there is. With him on the job, nothing could go wrong.”

Anastasia pressed Pattie’s hand to her own cheek, her heart so full it almost hurt.

But Pattie needed rest, and a crowd of people hovering over her wasn’t going to help. After a little while, Herman signaled to Flynn and Monica to take the three grandparents home.

It was only then that Anastasia realized someone was missing.

She turned to Salma. “Mom, where’s Dad?”

Salma huffed, clearly annoyed. “Don’t get me started. He picked today of all days to go out for coffee with his friends. That man just never has a sense of timing.”

Seeing her mom’s frustration, Anastasia decided not to press for more details.

Ashley had left a note behind, and it was devastating for Salma. The letter even mentioned Anastasia. Now, to everyone on the outside, Anastasia was just the illegitimate daughter, and Salma was painted as the home-wrecker—the villain who destroyed the Mortons.

Herman gently squeezed Anastasia’s shoulder. “Let your dad figure things out back home. They’re saying Ashley’s in a coma now, but only she knows what really happened.”

Anastasia scrolled through her phone, checking the latest news. She’d been gossiped about before, so she was almost numb to it. “People online love to play hero, acting like they’re crusaders, but really, they’re just tearing others down from behind a keyboard.”

That’s the thing with internet trolls—they attack without ever having to answer for it, loving the feeling of being judge and jury.

Herman sat down across from her, his voice calm and steady. “The truth is the truth. No matter what people say, right is right and wrong is wrong.”

Anastasia hesitated. She wanted to ask if Herman thought Sandy had anything to do with Ashley’s fall, but she swallowed the question. Without proof, she’d be no better than the keyboard warriors herself.