Anastasia could always count on Herman to respond to her every beck and call. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, saying, "Sure, we''ll have dinner at Salstrom Manor tonight."


    Anastasia''s obvious intention was something Herman cherished.


    At Forever Café,


    Gianna sat alone at a window-side seat. Her gaze was fixed on the spot where Herman had stood just moments ago. She took a thoughtful sip of her coffee, worried that the words she had said could stir up suspicions in Anastasia''s mind.


    As time passed, Gianna found herself falling deeper and deeper for Herman, seeing him in her dreams more often than not.


    She realized she couldn''t let go. She felt trapped, like a prisoner in her own cage.


    "Gianna, why are you here all alone? Where''s Anastasia?" Cynthia, returning from shopping, asked casually,


    Gianna replied listlessly, "She left. Herman came to pick her up."


    "Anastasia is really lucky. Herman really spoils her rotten. She was just here a little while. ago and he got all worried about her," Cynthiamented.


    Cynthia''s words only agitated Gianna further. "Weren''t you out shopping with Salma? Howe you''re back so soon?"


    "She got caught up by some guy. She got a call and left, so I came back." Cynthiamented sourly, "I used to think we were better off than Salma''s family, but things. change. Salma''s man, who''s also Anastasia''s biological father, is a grape tycoon, a big shot with billions to his name. I heard he''s going to pass on his fortune to Anastasia."


    Gianna hated hearing theseparisons, but Cynthia seemed to enjoy repeating them. Gianna stayed silent, but theparisons with Anastasia were bound to create resentment.


    Cynthia continued, "Just now, I noticed that Anastasia''s baby bump is quite pointy. It''s definitely a boy. Once she gives birth, she''ll have secured her ce as the wife of a wealthy family. Gianna, you should also be more ambitious. Women over thirty can''tpete with those in their twenties..."


    "Mom, not again." Gianna was tired of hearing it. "Are you trying to say that I''m old and unattractive, and that I can''tpare to Anastasia? She''s married well and is about to have a son, but whether she can give birth or not is still uncertain."


    Herst words wereced with jealousy, startling Cynthia. "nna... what do you mean by that?" 08-17


    Gianna didn''t want to stay any longer. "It means nothing. I''m tired. I''m going home to take a nap."


    There were employees in the café, so Gianna didn''t have to stay.


    Feeling agitated, Gianna drove away, contemting how she could get closer to Herman. Suddenly, a bold idea crossed her mind: she wanted to be Herman''s wife. She yearned for Herman to love her as he loved Anastasia. Nightfall arrived.


    Herman brought Anastasia back to Salstrom Manor. They left Pattie behind, fearing that Grannie Anita''s harsh words might upset her.


    Knowing Anastasia wasing for dinner, Katelyn had prepared a feast in advance.


    Herman held Anastasia''s hand as they entered the house. Katelyn greeted them with a smile, "Ana, you''re here. Have a seat. You must be tired."


    Noticing Anastasia''s bulging belly, Katelyn''s smile deepened.


    "Ana, Herman." Flynn, dressed casually, came down from upstairs.


    Grannie Anita also came out of her room, leaning on her walking stick. Out of respect, Anastasia still greeted her, "Hi, Grannie."


    "Hmm." To their surprise, Grannie Anita actually responded and didn''t show any hostility towards Anastasia. She nced at Anastasia''s belly and said, "Let''s eat. Pregnant women shouldn''t be hungry." Herman and Anastasia were taken aback by Grannie Anita''s words.


    Had Grannie Anita epted Anastasia?


    09-17