The Bound Between Us

Chapter 391

Herman managed to track down the taxi driver and through a phone call, he was able to confirm that Layna was indeed a passenger who had been dropped off at Harmony Meadows. This meant she had disappeared after entering the gated community.

Though Layna wasn’t his biological daughter, the thought of Pattie being abandoned by that cold- hearted child was intolerable. He couldn’t just let it go; he had to involve Dailey to search for her.

Anastasia was a whirlwind of emotions, feeling somewhat ashamed to face Herman. Her daughter, her own flesh and blood, was capable of such cruelty. She was too young to be fighting for attention in such a horrifying way. Anastasia feared what might happen once the baby she was carrying came into the world, what Layna might do then.

She had spent the day trying to teach Layna some sense, hoping the girl would change. But by evening, Layna managed to lure Pattie out.

Salma, who had been out searching for Pattie, rushed back home upon hearing the news of her return. Upon seeing Pattie, Salma expressed her relief, “Thank heavens you’re back, Pattie. You scared Granny half to death. Why would you run off without a word?”

“I’m sorry, Granny.” Pattie knew she was at fault. She hugged Salma, and her small hands gently patted Salma’s back.

This heartfelt gesture melted Salma’s heart instantly. “It’s alright, darling. You’re back, and that’s what matters. Where’s your sister?”

Pattie replied in a soft voice, “She is missing.”

Salma turned to Anastasia and Herman, “Where’s Layna?”

Anastasia answered worriedly, “We’re still looking for her.”

Herman said, “Anastasia, you and Pattie should rest. Mom, you too. I’ll let you know as soon as we find her.” It was getting late, and Herman was concerned about Anastasia’s health.

Anastasia couldn’t sleep as she was too worried about Layna’s safety. But she didn’t want Herman to worry, so she took Pattie back to their room to rest.

Pattie asked, “Mommy, will my sister come back?”

“We’ll find her,” Anastasia reassured. “Go to sleep now, Pattie. Mommy needs to make a call.”

Anastasia called Duncan, informing him of Layna’s disappearance and asking him to contact her if Layna showed up. The news unsettled Duncan, who promised to contact Anastasia as soon as he heard anything. Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

At this point, nobody could be sure if Layna was hiding or if she was in actual danger. Layna had abandoned Pattle, and it was highly likely she was now hiding out of fear.

Despite the resources Herman had put into the search, Layna’s exact location remained. unknown. Since Layna’s entry into the gated community, there had been a dozen or so vehicles that went in and out. Dailey needed time to investigate each one.

That night, Anastasia could barely sleep, worried sick about Layna’s safety. Meanwhile, Layna, who was kidnapped in an abandoned building, was cold and hungry. She cried until her voice was hoarse, eventually falling asleep from exhaustion.

Layna’s life hadn’t been luxurious since her adoption by Duncan, but she had never experienced cold or hunger like this. This hardship made her start missing Duncan.

The next day.

There was still no news on Layna. The house was eerily quiet, and Pattie was deeply remorseful.

Pattie felt that she was the reason her sister was missing, and she wanted to find her. But she didn’t know where to start. Salma decided to look around the building early in the morning, and Pattie insisted on coming along. Without thinking much, Salma brought her along.

Dailey sent over the information of all the vehicles that had entered and exited the gated community during the time of Layna’s disappearance. Anastasia and Herman started to sift through the data.

Leo hadn’t driven his own car, and his vehicle was registered as an outsider. There were a number of vehicles that had left the community within the timeframe, which made it difficult for Anastasia and Herman to suspect Leo.

Meanwhile…

Salma, who had taken Pattie downstairs, ran into Ashley, who was still holding a grudge.

Ashley confronted Salma, “Salma, you shameless woman. You lured my husband away, kept him in Riverdale, and now he refused to return to Willowbrook. You even pushed him to divorce me.”

Salma was taken aback. “Didn’t you two already divorce?”