The Bound Between Us

Chapter 362

The power of first impression is indeed profound. From the beginning, Grannie Anita had taken a dislike to Anastasia. No matter what she did, she couldn’t win Anita’s approval. Even if she did nothing, she would be subject to blame.

Herman, with a cold glint in his eye, retorted, “Grandma, if you continue to behave this way, don’t blame me for sending you back to the countryside. Even if you dislike Anastasia, please afford her the respect she deserves. Anastasia survived a car crash. Her pregnancy is a miracle. She is risking her life to bring this baby into the world. You, who have been a mother yourself, should understand. Please, for the sake of the Salstrom family’s future, hold your tongue.”

Herman’s tone was heavy. This was the first time he had spoken to Grannie Anita in such a stern, warning, and disappointed manner.

Anastasia was risking her life, but Grannie Anita continued to belittle and express dissatisfaction. If it had been anyone else, Herman would have lost his temper, disregarding manners.

His words left Grannie Anita speechless. She didn’t look fine. Her lips were twitching in anger. She felt a mix of shame and rage. Her grandson, whom she had raised, was standing up to her repeatedly for a woman, uttering such chilling words.

Grannie Anita, pointing at Herman in fury, retorted, “Is this how you speak to your grandmother? I am doing this for your own good.” “For my own good? That’s the most hypocritical phrase in the world. You use it as a guise to satisfy your need for control. If you truly cared for me, you would respect my wife.” Herman, stern and serious, added, “Grandma, in the Salstrom family, we believe in a peaceful and loving family. You have been at odds with my mother for years, and now you want to interfere with my marriage. What exactly are you trying to achieve? Tell me.”

“I… I…” Grannie Anita was at a loss for words.

Herman was already on edge because of the baby, so naturally, he wouldn’t tolerate Grannie Anita speaking ill of Anastasia. Furious, Grannie Anita left without another word, not even bothering to verify if Anastasia was truly pregnant.

Herman didn’t want to think about her. He called Salma to update her about the situation and asked her to pick up Pattie from school. Upon hearing of Anastasia’s pregnancy, Salma was overjoyed. She reassured Herman over the phone, “Herman, take good care of Ana. Don’t worry about household matters. I’ll pick up Pattie. This is such wonderful news. Thank God, Ana is pregnant.”

Salma was so happy she felt like setting off fireworks.

After the call, Herman returned to the hospital room to keep Anastasia company. He decided not to inform Katelyn and Feiman for now due to the instability of the pregnancy.

Soon, Monica arrived with food. Anastasia was indeed hungry. She ate a hearty meal of soup and several dishes.

As Anastasia ate, Monica apologized, “Ana, I’m sorry for what happened today. It’s all my fault. I shouldn’t call you and force you to drink. I’m sorry. If you yell at me, maybe I’ll feel better.”

Anastasia laughed. “It’s not your fault. I haven’t been feeling well for a few days. It’s not related to the alcohol. I was careless and didn’t pay any attention to it. On the bright side, we found out about the pregnancy today. Otherwise, who knows what might happen due to my carelessness.”

Now, she and the baby were safe. Considering the wonderful news of her pregnancy, she was far from blaming Monica.

Monica nodded. “You both forgive me, but I still feel guilty. I will buy all the diapers, clothes, and formula for the baby when he or she is

born.”

Anastasia laughed. “In that case, I will accept all of it. You’ll be the baby’s godmother.”

“No problem. I think I got the better end of the deal, Monica said with a smile. “Being the godmother of the future heir of Elysian Technologies will definitely raise my profile. Herman, you don’t have any objections, do you?”

Herman, handing Anastasia a peeled apple, replied, “No objections. You played a part in getting us to where we are today. It’s only right that the child calls you godmother.”

Monica laughed. “The CEO of a large corporation is really different. You’ve got vision and magnanimity.”

Soon, the news of Anastasia’s pregnancy spread. Grannie Anita went back to Salstrom Manor and mentioned it in passing. Katelyn and Feiman found out and hurried to the hospital to visit. Grannie Anita wanted to visit but was too embarrassed to do so.

Everyone urged Anastasia to rest and not overwork herself when they found out she had almost had a miscarriage.

Aside from Herman and Anastasia, no one knew how dangerous it was for Anastasia to carry this baby.

Katelyn was especially happy at the thought of becoming a grandmother. She started preparing nutritious food for Anastasia and consulted with professional doctors.

Grannie Anita, who was nearby, wanted to ask about Anastasia’s condition. However, since she was not on good terms with Katelyn, she felt uncomfortable asking her directly and decided to ask Feiman

instead.

“Is Anastasia really pregnant? How many weeks? Boy or girl?”

10:49

Feiman laughed. “The doctor said it’s been five weeks. We don’t know the gender yet. Mom, if you’re worried about Anastasia, you should go to the hospital to see her.”

Grannie Anita retorted, “Who’s worried about her? I’m concerned about my great-grandchild. I’m worried that woman is lying. She just said she was infertile, but now she’s pregnant. It’s too strange.”

“Mom, you’re just being suspicious. The doctor only said it was difficult for Anastasia to get pregnant, not that she couldn’t at all. Now she’s pregnant. Isn’t it a good thing? You’re about to become a great- grandmother.”

Grannie Anita shot Feiman a look. “You sure seem pleased. Now Anastasia is pregnant. I bet she feels even more empowered. With her around, I hardly have a say in this house anymore. Today, Herman even had the audacity to scold me in the hospital.” Property belongs to Nôvel(D)r/ama.Org.

Grannie Anita seemed crestfallen, like a chastised child.

“Mom, you’re overthinking again,” Feiman reassured her with a smile. “Herman was just worried about Anastasia. It’s his first time becoming a father, so it’s normal for him to be a bit excited. And you should stop your divorce talk. Everything’s fine now.”

Feiman was pretty optimistic. With his two sons managing the company, he was free to just enjoy life.

Grannie Anita retorted sarcastically, “If she gives me a great-grandson, I might consider accepting her as my granddaughter-in-law.”

Feiman replied, “Mom, it’s not like we can control the gender of the baby.”

“Well, we’ll see how capable she is then,” Grannie Anita stubbornly stuck to her old-fashioned beliefs about favoring boys over girls.

Feiman sighed and chose not to continue the discussion.

Grannie Anita, leaning on her cane, climbed the stairs to rest in her room. Julie called. In the Salstrom family, only Grannie Anita liked Julie. It was essential to keep Grannie Anita happy and show her some attention.

Upon receiving Julie’s call, Grannie Anita replied cheerfully, “Julie, you’re the thoughtful one, calling me this late.”

“Grandma, you mentioned before that your leg sometimes hurts. I know a great massage therapist. How about I take you to see him tomorrow?”

Grannie Anita laughed heartily. “That sounds wonderful. Thank you, Julie. You’re a truly dutiful girl.”

“Grandma, I just want you to be healthy, happy, and live a long life,” Julie cooed.

Hearing this, Grannie Anita couldn’t help but wish that Julie was her granddaughter-in-law. “Julie, you’re such a sweet talker,” she laughed. “Unlike some people who only know how to upset me. Now with a baby on the way, I suspect she’ll become even more arrogant.”

“Pregnant?” Julie was taken aback. “Grandma, who’s pregnant?”

“Anastasia. It’s five weeks already. She almost miscarried today and is currently in the hospital. She barely got pregnant and almost lost it. I guess this baby doesn’t share the Salstrom family’s luck.”

“I thought she was infertile? How did she get pregnant?”

“Luck, I suppose. Even the doctor said it’s a miracle.”

Hearing the news of Anastasia’s pregnancy, a deep resentment appeared in Julie’s eyes. Why was Anastasia always so lucky, getting everything good in life?