The Bound Between Us

Chapter 306

While Anastasia was checking out Sandy, Sandy was also sizing up Anastasia. Before they met, Ashley had mentioned Anastasia to Sandy and Sean, her siblings, but his description was pretty one- sided, saying she was the daughter of their dad, Tavon’s old flame.

Sandy called Anastasia “sister” in a gentle way. Her voice was as pleasant as wind chimes. She had a unique face and refined features. She had an oddly attractive look of having been sick, and if her spirits were a bit higher, she’d definitely be a knockout.

Sean was a bit standoffish, only glancing at Anastasia and not bothering to say hello.

Anastasia didn’t have any emotional attachment to these siblings. They were Tavon’s kids, but not by the same mom. It was good enough that she didn’t have any bias against them. If Salma wasn’t there, she wouldn’t be caught dead in the same room with them.

Ashley helped Sandy sit down and was not exactly thrilled, but she put on a smile and said, “You guys aren’t familiar with each other yet. You’ll get to know each other better over time. Let’s eat. Anastasia, is this your first time in Willowbrook? This restaurant is one of the best in Willowbrook, and super high- end. Bet you’ve never had this dish. Give it a try,” The moment she said that she basically painted Anastasia as a country bumpkin who hadn’t seen much of the world.

Anastasia didn’t want to give Ashley the satisfaction and replied with a smile, “Willowbrook is indeed a beautiful place, and the people here are all very confident. Ashley, you’re particularly cocky.”

Ashley’s smile froze instantly. Seeing their mom being mocked, Sean chimed in with a frown, “Respecting your elders is basic manners.”

Anastasia responded, “I totally agree with you. The Morton family’s etiquette is truly impressive. My mom is here, who should be your family, too, right? How come I didn’t hear you guys greet her?” Anastasia couldn’t stand the hypocrisy of this family, and she didn’t shy away from calling them out.

Sean was so riled up by Anastasia’s words that he was about to retort when Sandy gently tugged at his sleeve and then softly greeted Salma.

Ashley’s face turned sour instantly, but what could she say when it was her daughter who spoke? If it wasn’t for the hope that Anastasia could help her daughter, she wouldn’t be sitting at the same table with Salma.

Salma felt a bit awkward and said, “There’s no need to be so polite.” Property of Nô)(velDr(a)ma.Org.

Caught off guard by Anastasia’s sharp tongue, Tavon didn’t know what to say.

Sean was annoyed and unwilling to greet Salma, not even understanding Sandy’s behavior. “Why did you speak to that woman…”

Before Sean could finish, Sandy started coughing and looked quite weak. Sean immediately said with concern, “I’ll take you back to the hospital.”

Sean, who was only a year older than Sandy and just returned from abroad, loved his little sister dearly. Seeing her look so pale, his goodwill towards Anastasia dwindled. He didn’t plan on acknowledging this half-sister who suddenly appeared out of nowhere.

Sandy shook her head and said sensibly, “It’s sister and mom’s first time in Willowbrook, and we should be polite. Sit down.”

Sean didn’t understand why his sister would do this, Tavon also said, “Sean, sit down. It’s time to eat.” Ashley also gestured to Sean, who sat down with a frown.

Anastasia didn’t care about what this family thought, whether they were putting on a show or whatever. She was already digging into her meal, even serving Salma some food. “Mom, eat.”

Tavon picked up his fork and said with a smile, “Let’s eat. We’re all hère, and it’s the first time we’re all sitting down for a meal together. Let’s toast to that.”

Tavon was acting like the head of the family, but Anastasia didn’t even give him a second glance, she was ignoring them and just focusing on her meal. Everyone raised their glasses, Salma saw that Anastasia made no move to do the same, so she nudged her with her elbow to give her a hint. Anastasia smiled and said, “You guys go ahead, I’m good.” She didn’t want to play happy families with them.

As for how Tavon was going to convince her mom to accept this reality, she couldn’t care less. If they expected her to just accept them as family and bluntly acknowledge this family, that was never going to happen.