The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Anastasia rolled her eyes at Herman, a mix of amusement and exasperation dancing in her gaze. "You really get a kick out of these thrills, don't you? Acting like there's no cost and no responsibilities once the fun is over."

Herman pulled her into his embrace, sealing their closeness with a deep, passionate French kiss. "I'll be responsible for you for a lifetime. Why didn't you take the money I gave you last time?"

"I want to leave your house with my hands clean," Anastasia replied firmly. "When I married you, I had nothing. It wouldn't feel right to walk away from a divorce with a chunk of your billions. Carrying that much, I'd never sleep soundly, always worrying about being mugged or worse."

"My silly woman," Herman murmured tenderly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her face. "If you miss me, just come here. The door code is your birthday. Once I've cleared Grandma's case, I'll remarry you in style. We never had a proper wedding, Anastasia, but this time, we'll do it right. Let's start over."

She knew he had always wanted to give her a grand wedding.

Now that they were divorced and single again, it was like a fresh start.

But in that moment, Anastasia hesitated. "Herman, we were always from two different worlds. If you can clear your name, that's great, and I'm happy you still want me. I can be with you, no strings attached, have a little affair. I don't want to be Mrs. Salstrom again. Some prejudices, societal judgments, they're etched deep inside, like an insurmountable mountain. I'm content with how things are now."

Herman took a deep breath, sighing. "I get it. It's my fault-too many temptations, too much trouble for a man like me to handle."

Anastasia was momentarily speechless. Was this his version of a humblebrag?

She glared at him. "The trouble you attract is definitely a bit much. Even if you don't reciprocate, there are women throwing themselves at you. How did your handkerchief end up with Gianna?"

She hadn't planned to bring it up, but his boastful attitude had drawn the words from her.

"What handkerchief?" Herman genuinely couldn't remember.

Such a trivial matter wouldn't stay in his mind.

He went through handkerchiefs like water, often discarding them without a second thought, even the ones that cost a pretty penny.

Anastasia scoffed playfully. "Mr. Salstrom, do rein in that deadly charm of yours."

Herman chuckled. "As you wish. I'll wear a mask every time I step out. Once I've groomed Flynn to take over the company, I can step back. Then, I'll have more time for you and our daughter."

Anastasia couldn't help but tease. "Your family is an oddity. Other dynasties claw at each other for power and wealth, yet you're keen on retiring, and Flynn's content being a lazy heir. You two have less ambition than Joseph."

To ordinary folks like them, reaching the pinnacle was the daily grind, while the wealthy like Herman contemplated how to savor life.

Herman's smile was slight yet knowing. "Actually, the Salstrom brothers are all cut from the same cloth. If I weren't the eldest, I'd be just as keen on living the easy life. As for Joseph, he has no interest in taking over Elysian Technologies."

Surprised, Anastasia pressed, "Why not? Wasn't he always competing with you? I heard he's planning a union with the Browns. Isn't he doing that to team up against you, to fight for the inheritance? That's how it always plays out in the dramas on TV."

"Maybe you should watch fewer of those melodramas. Not everyone lusts after power and wealth. Joseph has his own skills and could easily have a comfortable life. He doesn't give a damn about Elysian Technologies. His rivalry with me is just to prove a point, to show Dad that, even as the illegitimate son, he's better than me."noveldrama

Anastasia was silent, digesting his words.

"How come you know him so well?"

"Keep your friends close and your enemies closer," Herman replied. "Joseph was just born under the wrong star. If he'd been born to my mother, he'd be just like Flynn, not wanting to deal with anything, just coasting through life."

Curiosity piqued, Anastasia asked, "So, will he marry Julie?"

"No way."

"But Julie's carrying his child, and they've set a date."

"Joseph will rebel at the last minute, just to spite our father. I'm quite looking forward to seeing what he'll pull at the wedding." Herman's eyes turned cold. "Give Julie another couple of months. Meanwhile, I'll keep digging for evidence that she's behind Grandma's death."