Scott had knocked back way too many drinks tonight.
Lately, every time he had to go out for work dinners, Scott would drink himself into oblivion—anything to get home, crash into bed, and fall asleep fast, just so he could avoid Juliana’s complaints and Mrs. Goad’s endless nagging.
The dinner dragged on until eleven. Herman and Anastasia were the first to make their escape, leaving Scott and Mr. Qiu to keep the drinks coming.
It was well past midnight when Mr. Qiu finally passed out at the table. Scott wasn’t much better—his secretary, Linda, had to help him to the car.
They were just about to leave when Sandy appeared out of nowhere. “Linda, did Mr. Stranz drink this much?”
“You’re still here?” Linda was genuinely surprised.
“It’s my first day, I couldn’t just take off while Mr. Stranz was still working. I stayed in the lobby and waited,” Sandy said, keeping her tone humble—the way a new hire should.
Years at the hospital had trained Sandy well—she could play the part with ease.
Linda actually seemed impressed. “Sandy, you can head home. I’ll take Mr. Stranz back. See you at the office tomorrow.”
“Alright,” Sandy replied, acting like she wasn’t looking for any extra credit.
She’d barely taken a few steps when Linda’s phone rang. Total chaos—her backyard was on fire, her boyfriend was caught sneaking around with another woman, and her best friend saw the whole thing.
Linda’s priorities shifted in a heartbeat. She called out, “Sandy, can you take Mr. Stranz home for me? I’ve got an emergency.”
Sandy turned around, flashing a gentle smile. “Of course, Linda. Go take care of your stuff. I’ll handle Mr. Stranz.”
Linda didn’t hesitate. She grabbed a cab and left everything to Sandy.
Sandy glanced at Scott—completely wasted in the back seat—then watched Linda’s cab disappear down the street. She couldn’t help but let a little satisfied grin slip.
She got into the car and spoke to the driver. “Let’s go. Oh, by the way, Leo, when Mr. Stranz gets like this, do you usually take him straight home or…?”
Leo replied, “Usually, on nights like this, we drive out to the country house.”
“Alright, let’s go to the country house,” Sandy said. She already knew Scott’s routine—she just wanted to sound casual.

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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)
Author pls Pls don't separate Ana and Herman once again because of Sandy. There must be an ending to Ana's sufferings!...
Yes yes yes!!! Thank you!!!...
How comes the twists are becoming uninteresting and unrealistic? Readers will prefer cleaner straight happy endings. Please don't go far beyond otherwise readers will lose interest. Time to end the story like we want it to be....
Please give us a happy ending for Anastasia and Herman with Pattie recognized as Herman's daughter, thank you!!!...
Pls update. This novel is really good....