Herman and Anastasia''s faces tightened at the news.
Herman asked coolly, "Julie came to see you? Well, you''re the father of her child, so it''s only natural she''d seek you out."
Anastasia provocatively asked Herman, "Isn''t keeping secrets like harboring a criminal? Wouldn''t that make you an aplice?" Joseph remained silent.
ncing at Herman, Joseph said with a hint of sarcasm, "The head of the Salstrom family offering a million-dor reward? Isn''t that a bit childish? If the bounty were bigger, I might be tempted to spill some beans."
Of course, Joseph wasn''t about to confess he''d seen Julie. His words were intentionally vague.
Just then, the nanny caring for Daria approached, "Sir, Daria won''t stop crying. I think she needs you."
"Useless, can''t even settle a child," Joseph muttered before telling Herman, "I''ll go check on her." He followed the nanny out.
Joseph had mixed feelings about his son, but blood ties run deep, and as his firstborn, he couldn''t help but feel some affection.
After Joseph left, Anastasia turned to Herman, "Do you think Joseph really saw Julie?"
"It''s possible," Herman replied. "But getting the truth from Joseph is unlikely. The police are on it, and it seems Julie is still in Riverdale. Be careful when you go out, and make sure Dailey is with you." "Okay." The thought of Julie being in Riverdale sparked an idea in Anastasia.
Instead of living in fear, she decided to take the offensive.
Julie''s hatred for her was clear, and Anastasia realized she might be the perfect bait to draw her out.
Anastasia had always lived by the principle of not provoking others unless provoked. However, some people would cause trouble regardless.
Julie wouldn''t leave her alone. The enmity between women was something men couldn''t fathom, just as Gianna''s jealousy was unimaginable until it was confirmed she harmed Pattie.
Anastasia also feared for Pattie''s safety. Some threats were unavoidable, and the only solution was to nip them in the bud.
After spending time with Pattie, Herman and Anastasia joined her for dinner, then returned to Southridge Estates, choosing not to stay at Salstrom Manor.
Herman knew Anastasia felt uneasy at the Manor, a ce once lived in by Grannie Anita. Some things, though unspoken, were mutually understood. Determined to lure Julie out, Anastasia arranged to meet Jason the next day. As she was about to leave, Nelson arrived with a woman in her thirties. "Madam, this is Liana, the signnguage teacher Mr. Salstrom asked me to find for Pattie," Nelson introduced.
Liana, dressed modestly and with a friendly face, seemed instantly familiar and approachable.
She wasn''t tall, and her appearance was quite average, chosen deliberately by Herman from many candidates to ensure Anastasia''sfort and to avoid unnecessaryplications. Given Pattie was a girl, a male teacher was out of the question. Herman had spent a long time selecting Liana for her decent looks, reputable character, and marital status.
Liana, with her extensive teaching experience, was more than qualified to teach Pattie.
Smiling, Liana introduced herself, "Good to meet you, madam. I''m Liana."
Nelson added, "Madam, Mr. Salstrom wanted you to meet her first. If you approve, we''ll have Ms. Liana stay."
"Since Herman chose her, there''s no issue," Anastasia agreed. "Ms. Liana, my daughter is quite special. I appreciate your efforts."
"Don''t worry, madam. I''ve been briefed about Miss Pattie''s situation," Liana assured, her careful choice of words showing thoughtfulness.
"Pattie is at the yground," Anastasia informed, asking Salma to take Liana to meet Pattie.
Having arranged for Pattie''s tutor, Anastasia drove off to meet Jason at a café near Julie''s current residence.
Jason had been keeping watch in the area, making it a convenient meeting spot for them.
Upon arriving at the café and spotting Jason by the window, Anastasia got straight to the point, "Using me as bait, do you think you can lure Julie out and catch her?"