Herman decided to personally step in, only because of Anastasia.


    Upon reaching the police station, Herman greeted the officers, inquired about the situation, and promptly posted bail. Soon enough, Gianna was released.


    Seeing Herman standing in the lobby, Gianna was momentarily stunned. She didn''t expect Herman to bail her out.


    "Let''s go." Herman looked at Gianna indifferently and started walking out. Gianna quickly followed suit.


    Outside the police station, a gleaming Maybach was parked. Herman slid into the car, while Gianna hesitated between the passenger seat and the back seat. She finally settled for the passenger seat. It was the first time she was alone with Herman, and that too in such a confined space. Gianna felt a surge of excitement along with her nervousness.


    "Your address," Herman asked.


    "86th Sixth Street," Gianna replied softly.


    Herman started the car and headed towards Sixth Street. Throughout the drive, neither of them spoke a word. To Herman, Gianna was just Anastasia''s cousin, and his job was to get her home safely. Multiple times, Gianna attempted to strike up a conversation but couldn''t find the right words. Suddenly, Herman spoke, "You intentionally sought out Joey tonight, hoping to take him down with you?"


    Surprised and terrified, Gianna looked at him. She was amazed that he initiated a conversation and frightened that he knew her intentions.


    "That''s foolish," Herman said while driving. "There are countless ways to deal with Joey, but you chose the most foolish one. If Joey really died, you''d end


    up in jail."


    "I''m sorry," Gianna apologized, unsure why she was apologizing to Herman. She felt her brain slowed down in his presence.


    Influenced by Cynthia''s words and driven by desperation, she had thought of dying with Joey. Of course, Herman''s affection towards Anastasia also yed a part in this. She felt envious and desperate, seeing their tender rtionship. Gianna stole nces at Herman, wishing the journey could be longer. She wished this rare moment of solitude with him couldst a little longer.


    Herman initially intended to offer some advice, but sensing Gianna''s preupied state, he decided against it.


    As they neared Sixth Street, Gianna, unwilling to part ways, feigned sickness. "Could you pull over? I''m feeling nauseous."


    Herman nced at her and pulled over.


    Gianna acted out the part, pretending to retch on the roadside, even managing to vomit something out.


    With no tissues in the car, Herman handed her his handkerchief. Gianna was taken aback but epted gratefully. "Thank you..."


    Before she could finish, Herman was already back in the car. "Get in when you''re done. Anastasia''s alone in the hospital, and I''m worried."


    Gianna gripped the handkerchief tightly, unwilling to use it. She slowly got back in. During the final stretch to Sixth Street, she stared at the road ahead, and then turned to Herman. "Herman, I... I like you,"


    She closed her eyes immediately after, too afraid to see or hear Herman''s reaction.


    After a while, she heard Herman''s cold voice. "We''re here. Get out.""