The Bond Between Us novel Chapter 198

Herman was getting all up in Anastasia's grill, could she not detect his drift?

Anastasia deliberately turned her face away, nearly cracking up. "Not quite there yet. I'll let you know when I've figured it out."

"Well, then I'll take matters into my own hands..."

As Herman leaned in for a smooch, Anastasia dodged, giggling. "No can do, no can do."

They were fooling around when someone knocked on the door.

The cops were back. Upon seeing the officer, Anastasia immediately turned serious. "Officer, have you figured out who's out to get me?"

The cop glanced at Herman and said, "After our investigation, we've nailed down the perp."

"Who?" Anastasia pressed.

The officer replied, "It was Hailey from AL Jewery's design department. She confessed to the crime, mainly driven by jealousy."

"How could it be her?" Anastasia was stunned. Hailey had been with the design department for five years, a seasoned employee. She was always low-key and by-the-book, not the type to draw attention to herself.

Herman questioned, "Okay, so we have the motive, but what about the timing? During your initial investigation, you questioned everyone in the department, none were at the scene of the crime when it happened."

"Hailey admitted that she knew Anastasia was headed to Cloud Mountain, so she had her boyfriend Max, who works at the Cloud Mountain Resort, tamper with things. Both Max and Hailey have now been arrested and confessed to their crimes."

Another officer added, "We've checked their statements, and they're telling the truth. Hailey was just acting out of jealousy because Anastasia got promoted to head designer, and she couldn’t stomach it."

With the case unfolding this way, Anastasia felt a pang of sorrow. She never expected this twist.

Herman looked over Hailey and Max's testimonies, which matched up perfectly with the facts of Anastasia's accident.

With motives, timing, and substantial evidence, it was a wrap.

Anastasia was curious. "Why is Mr. Victor in a bad mood?"

"Isn't it because..." Lauren almost let it slip but switched gears at the last moment. "Maybe his personal life isn't going so well. He's already in his thirties and still single, which might be making him a bit restless."

The truth was, Anastasia's accident had dragged Victor into this, and Herman had vented part of his anger on him.

Victor was in a tight spot. If Anastasia didn't wake up, given Herman's cold demeanor, Victor might’ve ended up being the scapegoat.

Lauren's words made Anastasia laugh. She was about to respond when she noticed two people standing at the door. She immediately signaled Lauren to be quiet.

Lauren didn't catch on and asked blankly, "Anastasia, what's wrong with your eyes? Oh, right, while you were unconscious, Victor was really upset, and so was Herman. He had this 'keep out' look on his face. I think he might be having some personal issues too. Watch your back when you get out of here, okay?"

Anastasia's face turned beet red. She laughed awkwardly and called out loudly, "Hello, Mr. Victor."