The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 515

Hank Salstrom really hated feeling like he was being watched by some invisible enemy he couldn’t control. It was like an unseen hand was tightening a noose around his neck, making him stay on high alert. Over the years, his company, Elysian Technologies, had racked up quite a few enemies, and figuring out who was after him this time was anyone’s guess.

…

After getting back to her apartment, Anna noticed Salma wasn’t home. A quick phone call confirmed she was at work. With lunchtime approaching, Anna whipped up a quick grilled cheese sandwich and dove back into her jewelry-making. She had a night market stall to set up later in the evening.

She couldn’t help but smile, remembering the wild night she'd had with Hank. He had this uncanny way of affecting her every mood.

Around four-thirty, Anna picked up Pattie from school. As usual, they had dinner together before heading out to set up their market stall. Pattie settled in next to her, tackling her homework, which seemed to be more than usual.

Pattie’s eyes lit up when she saw Hank’s interview playing on the big screen across the square. “Mommy, look! It’s Daddy!” she shouted excitedly.

Anna traced her daughter’s gaze to see Hank on the LED display, masked up and answering questions from the press.

She chuckled. She thought he was joking when he mentioned the mask, but there he was, actually wearing it.

When the reporter asked curiously, “Mr. Salstrom, why the mask? Catch a cold?” Hank looked straight into the camera and said without a hint of shame, “This face of mine is just too handsome. I’m trying to keep the admirers at bay and avoid unnecessary complications.”

The reporter was stunned. Viewers at home probably rolled their eyes.

Most people would sound arrogant saying that, but Hank? He was just stating a fact. He was handsome. And he did attract attention.

Anna and Pattie both laughed at his vanity. Pattie never stopped calling him 'Daddy.' To her, that’s who he always would be.

“Dad’s so vain,” Pattie giggled.