The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 718

It seemed like his son was laying down the law now. Feiman found himself in a bit of a bind. If sweet-talking her back home had been an option, he'd have done it ages ago.

And no way was he dragging Anastasia into this. Katelyn mustn't find out that he and Herman had cooked up a plan to get her to move back to Salstrom Manor. It would just break her heart.

Feiman needed to handle this on the down-low. After mulling it over, he hit upon an idea—he'd pretend to be sick.

Taking a leaf out of Tavon's book, since Tavon had a stroke and Salma took him in to care for him, Feiman decided to fake a medical emergency. The next day, he whipped up a bogus medical report and fibbed to Katelyn, saying he had cancer and was running out of time. He told her he wanted to spend his last days with her by his side.

Katelyn, hearing the news, rushed back to Salstrom Manor, clearly upset.

"Feiman, Feiman," she called as she hurried upstairs.

Feiman, hearing her approach, quickly lay down, feigning illness. As Katelyn entered, he put on a weak act, "Katelyn, you're back."

"Is it true? Do you really have cancer? Did you get checked?" Katelyn asked, worry etched on her face.

Feiman nodded, "I went to three different hospitals, and they all said the same thing. I don't have much time left. I just want to spend my last days with you. Please, don't tell the boys. It's terminal. Telling them will only break everyone's heart."

"How could this happen? You seemed fine before. Didn't you go for regular check-ups?" Katelyn's voice was shaky with emotion. "Did the doctor really say there's no hope? I should call Dr. James and have him take a look."

"No need to trouble anyone. If Herman and Flynn find out..." Feiman said convincingly, "I don't want them to worry. Having you back here is enough for me."

Katelyn, looking at the fake report, believed him. She didn't tell Herman and Flynn, fearing they couldn't handle the truth.

Feiman's simple wish to have Katelyn back was something she couldn't refuse. So, she moved back to Salstrom Manor.

Anastasia was caught off guard by Katelyn's sudden return. Katelyn didn't spill the real reason, only vaguely mentioned wanting to live at Salstrom Manor again.

Anastasia was puzzled, but Herman was in the loop.

That night, Anastasia asked Herman, "What's going on with Mom? She seemed so attached to Emmie and Nancy. Why did she move back to Salstrom Manor?"

"Isn't this a good thing?" Herman chuckled, "It gives Mom and Dad a chance to patch things up, and everyone can be more at ease."

Anastasia gave Herman a skeptical look, "Did you have anything to do with this? Did you give your dad some advice to make your mom move out?"

"That's not important," Herman said, pulling Anastasia closer to shift gears, "Did Collin say something silly to you? He came clean to me after sobering up."

"Don't worry, I don't get jealous," Anastasia replied, "That's all in the past."

He didn't mind her past, so why should she dwell on his?

Herman sighed, "Anastasia, I didn't tell you before because I didn't think it was necessary. I wasn't trying to keep it from you."

Herman took two assistants and two bodyguards—Nelson and Dailey were naturally part of the entourage.

Christen stayed behind at Southridge Estates to help out Anastasia.

During a chat with Christen, Anastasia learned that it was Rowan who had shielded her when Julie mistook Christen for her and tried to stab her.

Anastasia was shocked, "Why did he protect me?"

She wasn't aware that Rowan was the same man she had encountered in the elevator at the Crescent Bay hotel.

Christen shook his head, "Not sure. Dailey and I were puzzled too. He's one of Asher's guys."

Anastasia's curiosity was piqued, "Do you have a picture? I'd like to see."

After Rowan had fled, Dailey had pulled up his records and had a photo.

Christen showed Anastasia the picture.

Seeing Rowan without a mask made Anastasia feel a sense of familiarity, "I feel like I've seen him somewhere before..."