Herman was capable of having children, so why did he im otherwise? It was a mystery, indeed.


    Collin said, "Why would I deceive you? What''s Herman''s game though? The Salstrom family is well-established. Doesn''t he want an heir?"


    Flynn was not interested in running the family business. All he wanted was to live a privileged life, living off his inheritance without a care in the world. If it hadn''t been for Herman forcing him to be the vice president of thepany, he would never have set foot in the office, let alone consider taking over the business.


    Flynn also began to ponder, "Yeah, why would my older brother im he can''t have children? Doesn''t he want a child with Anastasia? If these twobined their genes, their child would undoubtedly be stunning."


    Both men were trying to understand Herman''s intentions when a sudden realization dawned on them. They locked eyes, and a shared shock reflected in their gaze. They weren''t fools, and with a bit of thought, they could piece together the puzzle.


    It wasn''t Herman who was infertile, but Anastasia. This was a big deal. If Anastasia couldn''t bear children, it would end Herman''s lineage.


    Collin remarked, "Herman must really be smitten to tell such a big lie for Anastasia."


    Flynn was equally astonished, "If our parents found out, it would definitely cause a stir."


    Anastasia was Katelyn''s ideal daughter-inw, but if it was revealed that she couldn''t bear children, things might change.


    Collin quickly interjected, "Flynn, don''t you dare spill that it was me who figured it out This can''t get out."


    "Of course, it can''t." Flynn agreed, "My older brother is head over heels for Anastasia: If I let this slip, he would kill me."


    The two men decided to keep the secret to themselves, pretending they were none the wiser. But unbeknownst to them, their conversation had been overheard by Julie, who hade to the office to find Herman.


    Anastasia''s inability to bear children was good news for her. In high society, a family would never ept an infertile daughter-inw. Each daughter-inw was expected to bear several children to strengthen the family''s position. Julie was thrilled by the news. She decided not to look for Herman and quietly left the office.


    The night before the annual g. Anastasia was at home, choosing her dress. Herman had sent her several photos of different dresses, and she was having trouble making a decision.


    "Pattie, which dress do you think I should wear?" Anastasia asked, handing off the decision to her daughter.


    Pattie studied the options carefully before pointing at avender ombre dress, "Mom, this one is beautiful. You''ll look like a fairy if you wear this."


    The ombre dress was ttering only on certain skin tones, and Anastasia''splexion was perfect for it. The dress was strapless with sheerntern sleeves, creating a dreamy and lightweight look.


    Salma, who had juste in from the balcony, also nced at Anastasia''s phone, agree, this one looks nice. Ana, is it mandatory to wear a gown for the g?"


    "So it''s settled." Anastasia decided, "For important events like this, there are dress codes. Mom, Herman also sent a few options for you to choose from."


    Salma was surprised, "I''m going too?"


    "Yes, you and Pattie are both going." Anastasia replied with a smile, "That''s what Herman said, and it''s his mother''s wish too."


    Pattie excitedly chimed in, "Come with us, grandma."


    Still, Salma was hesitant, "I''m afraid I might embarrass you. I don''t know anything about these kinds of events."


    Thest time they had seafood at the Salstrom''s, Salma was so nervous that it turned into aedy of errors. An event as significant as the annual g, attended by high-society individuals, made her apprehensive. Anastasia reassured her, "Don''t worry. Herman''s mother will take care of you."


    But Salma was adamant, "I''ll stay home. You, Herman, and Pattie can go. I have a lot of housework to do. The sheets and nkets need washing."


    "Mom." Anastasia''s words were interrupted by Herman''s arrival.


    Herman had been taking supplements recently, and the smell clung to him. As soon as he entered the house, Anastasia noticed the strong scent, "Why does your scent of meds seem stronger these days?"