The Bond Between Us novel Chapter 326

Herman instantly felt deflated, slumping onto the couch, grumbling in frustration, "I'm going to block your cousin." Getting cockblocked was enough to ruffle any man's feathers.

Anastasia chuckled and gently stroked Herman's face, chiding, "Have you not run out of energy from all the way back from Willowbrook to Riverdale? All you think about is fucking me. Now get out, I have a call to take."

Herman grumbled a bit more, but obediently left the room.

Anastasia answered the call, "What's up?"

As soon as she finished speaking, Gianna burst into tears on the other end of the line, "Anastasia, Joey is a jerk! I've tried everything, even tried to find some dirt on him at work, but it's all useless. He's been arguing with my parents at home, I'm afraid to go back now. Can I come to you?"

"But I'm not at home," Anastasia said, feeling a little troubled, "How about this, you find a motel to stay in for now."

"You're not home? Mom told me you and Auntie are back from Willowbrook, right?" Gianna had heard this and thought to call Anastasia.

"Yes, we are back, but we're staying at Herman's house. We haven't returned to Harmony Meadows," Anastasia explained, "It's a long story, why don't you go find a motel?"

"Alright then," Gianna said, sounding a bit frustrated, "Anastasia, after all this mess with Joey, I've lost pretty much all my friends. I can only vent to you, you won't mind me rambling, would you?"

"No, not at all," Anastasia reassured her. Even if she did find it a bit tiresome, she couldn't let her know. Gianna was emotionally fragile right now, a careless word or gesture could be the straw that breaks the camel's back.

Melinda was a prime example. After Melinda committed suicide by jumping off a building, Maria and Jay, in order to claim compensation from Neon Dreams, stirred up public opinion, protesting in front of the club. Maria sat at the entrance holding Melinda's portrait.

Melinda's parents played the victim online, accusing Neon Dreams of being heartless. Neon Dreams, in order to settle the matter, chose to compromise, eventually giving out a million dollars in compensation.

Anastasia had seen the trending news and was furious, but she felt helpless. She could only watch as Melinda's parents squeezed out the last bit of value from her, then took the million dollars and went back to their hometown. It was a harsh reality that when one's power was insignificant, there was nothing one can do about the tragedies of the world.

On the phone, Gianna said, "Anastasia, tomorrow's my birthday. Can you come and celebrate with me?"

Gianna had already said so. How could Anastasia refuse?

"Alright, tomorrow evening? I have to go to the office during the day."

"Yeah. So I guess I will see you tomorrow night," Gianna said, "I won't disturb your time with your husband. I've booked a table for tomorrow. I'll send you the address."