The Bond Between Us novel Chapter 883

Herman had no idea someone had been following Anastasia. She hadn’t mentioned it—figured, why worry him if nothing happened? But now it had slipped out, and there was no point hiding it.

She came clean. “On my way home from work this afternoon, someone was following me…”

She gave him the short version, then quickly added, “I’m fine. The guy’s name was Ben, I think—he was pretty clueless. Total rookie move. He’s at the police station now.”

Anastasia knew Herman would worry, so she made sure he understood she hadn’t been hurt.

When Herman heard about the close call, his stomach twisted. “If people are going that far, whatever’s on that chip must be important.”

He didn’t dare shrug it off. He grabbed his laptop and tried to crack the chip, but after two tries, no luck.

It was seriously encrypted.

If even Herman couldn’t break in, that was saying something. Nelson had always called him a computer genius. If this stumped him, they were in trouble.

“This thing’s a hot potato,” Anastasia said, her tone all business. “No idea where Rowan got it, but we need to get rid of it fast. Can you find him and give it back?”

Herman blurted out, “I haven’t heard from Rowan lately either.”

“Lately? Either?” Anastasia zeroed in, raising an eyebrow.

Herman hesitated, coughed awkwardly into his fist. “Um, I’ve run into Rowan a few times. He’s… he’s been following you, too. Quietly.”

He’d been worried Rowan might have bad intentions, but he’d come to believe Rowan wouldn’t actually hurt Anastasia. Still, every time he heard about Rowan in her orbit, a pang of jealousy flared up.

Anastasia wisely kept her head down and started upstairs. She’d just taken a couple steps when Salma called after her, “Ana, I’m moving out tomorrow. I’m going back to my old apartment.”

Anastasia stopped short, stunned. “No, Mom, you can’t. Your health isn’t great, and you’re comfortable here. Why go back to that old place? If something’s bothering you, just tell me. And what about the kids? You’ll miss them!”

Truth was, Salma wouldn’t have stayed if it weren’t for her grandkids. But after everything with Adam, she’d realized she was just an ordinary person, and people only cozied up because she was connected to Herman and the Salstrom name. She’d overheard the hotel manager talking with the staff—how she always got the easy shifts and better pay, all because of her son-in-law. The realization stung.

She let out a long sigh. “Ana, life’s changed too fast for me. I can’t keep up. Your aunt’s not well, no one’s taking care of her—I want to be closer, help out. I can come see the kids anytime. This isn’t goodbye.”

Ever since they’d visited Cynthia, Anastasia could tell Salma hadn’t felt comfortable. She’d never really thought about how hard it must be for her mother-in-law, going from scraping by to living like royalty overnight.

Anastasia searched for the right words, hesitated, then said softly, “Mom, why don’t you think it over a little longer?”