Herman and Anastasia had been married for almost six months, and this was the first time both families had sat down together for a meal. This was very different from the casual dinners they used to have at Harmony Meadows.


    A table loaded with a feast of food, from crab-stuffed bread, king crab, and abalone to m chowder, all rich in nutrients. Avish crystal chandelier hung overhead, and even the dining table was made of teak. The dishes, bowls, and cutlery were all collectibles, costing a fortune. With eight household staff, not counting the driver and the gardener, this extravagant lifestyle was typical for the Salstroms but overwhelming for Anastasia and


    Salma.


    Anastasia was on tenterhooks all evening, nowhere near as rxed as she was at Harmony Meadows. Salma, too, had a hard time with seafood and was prone to making a fool of herself. In that moment, Anastasia truly realized the gap between her and Herman. A sense of inferiority swept over her, but she had to maintain a


    smile.


    "Ana, eat this crab leg, it''s all meat. It''s good for your skin and won''t make you gain weight," Katelyn enthusiastically served Anastasia some food.


    Anastasia smiled faintly and said, "Thank you."


    1


    Herman noticed the difort in Anastasia''s tone and silently took her hand, silently offering her support. Anastasia nced down at their intertwined hands under the table and felt a rush of sweetness. Her difort had faded quite a bit. Pattie, having lived in the house for two days, seemed to adapt well.


    After dinner, Katelyn led Salma to tour the backyard and introduced her to the children''s yground built for Pattie. Salma was once again struck by the fact that the world of the wealthy was very different from theirs.


    Pattie went to y chess with Feiman, Flynn did his own thing, and Herman took Anastasia back to their room. He cornered her between his arms and the wall and asked in a low voice, "Not used to it?"


    Anastasia stood with her hands behind her, fiddling with her fingers, and mumbled, "Well, just a little bit. Your family is really wealthy." She was very straightforward


    Herman chuckled and said, "What''s mine is yours."


    Anastasia looked up at him and said, "Herman, I used to earn just a couple thousand a month, working from dawn till dusk, regardless of the weather. Today, I realized that my sry couldn''t even afford a fork in your house." He looked at her with warm eyes and a smile ying on his lips. "Feeling defeated?"


    "Yes." Anastasia nodded honestly, looking incredibly adorable.


    Hermanughed and hugged her close. "You''re such a silly girl."


    She looked up at him from his arms. "I suddenly understand why you hid your wealth from me. You were afraid I''d feel inferior."


    Hermanughed, his demeanor very different from his usual stern and aloof persona at work. This gentle side of him was reserved only for her.


    "I was wrong to deceive you," Herman said, holding Anastasia close. "From today on you need to start getting used to this luxurious lifestyle. I make money for you to spend."


    Anastasia pulled away from him and said, "The saying goes, ''It''s easy to go from frugality to luxury, but hard to go the other way. Don''t think I don''t see through your n. Once I get used to this lifestyle, I won''t be able to live without you. Isn''t that just ying into your hands?" "Honey, that''s not fair. I don''t have any ulterior motives." Herman chuckled. "To prove my innocence, I''ll transfer all my properties, funds, and stocks to your name tomorrow. From now on, I''ll work for you. You''ll just have to pay me a sry each month."


    His words moved Anastasia deeply. She didn''t want his assets, but the fact that he would say such a thing was enough. What woman could resist such love? "Honey," she said, wrapping her arms around his waist. "You''ve truly won me over with your wealth." Herman smiled. "And how much do you n to pay me?"


    Anastasia pretended to ponder. "How about two thousand a month? You don''t have to pay for food or transportation, and your work expenses are covered by thepany. You don''t need to spend a dime. This two thousand will be for you to surprise me with gifts on holidays."


    "Alright." Herman looked at her with a deep gaze. "Anastasia..."


    Just as he was about to kiss her, Anastasia''s phone rang abruptly. She nced at it and saw a call from Gianna.


    She put up a hand to stop Herman and said, "Hold on, I need to take this call."