The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 698

Wendy suddenly found herself at the center of a scandal. The dramatic turn of events left the high society ladies feeling humiliated, wishing they could just disappear. Here they were, women in their fifties and sixties, having slandered a child. How could they show their faces now?

Nobody wanted to offend the Salstroms, so it wasn't long before one of the ladies stepped forward to chastise Wendy, "Wendy, what were you thinking? You spilled the water and scalded the Salstroms' little angel, and then you blame a child? You've deceived us all."

Others chimed in, "Exactly, if you had just told the truth, none of this misunderstanding would have happened. Seeing Miss Pattie so wronged was heartbreaking."

Just moments ago, they were casually calling her Pattie, not even bothering with her full name. Now, it was Miss Pattie. Such a shift, typical of those seasoned in social circles.

Wendy was mortified, her face turning beet red. "I...I didn't mean to. I didn't know," she stammered, still making excuses.

Hunter's face darkened. He glanced at Herman, who hadn't said a word, understanding the message. He needed to make things right with the Salstrom family. His wife had slandered Herman's eldest daughter and scalded the youngest. This was unacceptable.

In a fit of anger, Hunter slapped Wendy hard across the face, the sound echoing loudly. Wendy, her cheek stinging, looked at Hunter in shock.

Hunter scolded her sternly, "Apologize to Herman right now. You've caused enough trouble. I wish I hadn't brought you here."

That slap not only humiliated Wendy but also diminished her standing in their social circle and within her own family. Through tears, Wendy sobbed to Herman, "Mr. Herman, I'm sorry. I wronged Miss Pattie. I'm truly sorry."

Herman was setting an example with Wendy, his tone icy, "Miss Pattie is my daughter. If anyone dares to spread rumors again, don't expect any mercy from me."

Who would dare say anything after that? Wendy and Hunter, too embarrassed to stay, left first.

Monica and Alessia sat together, familiar faces making the encounter less awkward. Anastasia and Herman, seated at the main table, received many toast offers. Alessia, glancing over, envied Anastasia's figure, "After having a baby, she still looks great. I gained so much weight."

It was a casual envy, knowing well that marrying well wasn't something one could simply aspire to. Monica reassured, "You're not overweight. Your waist is so slim."

Alessia, recalling her weight loss journey, sighed, "It took me a year to slim down. What a struggle."

The women chatted about makeup, fashion, and fitness, while the men talked more about women. After feeding, Emmie and another child were put to bed. After lunch, Anastasia sought out Monica. She noticed the absence of Tavon, Salma, and Sandy.

Heading to the restroom, Anastasia overheard Sandy's voice as she prepared to leave the stall. "Stick to the usual plan. Mix the real with the fake. They want cheap prices, they can't expect real quality. Don't worry about complaints. You get what you pay for, right? Just do as I say..."