Katelyn had her reasons, each one deeply rooted in her love for the kids, and this left Anastasia biting her tongue, trying to keep her cool. Anastasia went quiet, turning to hug her daughter instead.


    Herman sensed the tension in the room and chimed in, "Anastasia, the kids need some rest too. I''ve asked mom to take them back home for now."


    "Mom, could you take the kids back to Southridge Estates today? Anastasia and I will join you tomorrow."


    Katelyn hesitated, "But all their stuff is still at Salstrom Manor..."


    Herman interrupted, "We can have their things sent over to Southridge Estates."


    Herman had cornered Katelyn, who replied with a hint of sarcasm, "Sure, they''re your kids after all. You call the shots. What say do I, just a grandma, have in any of this?" This made Herman frown, wondering if Katelyn was having a bit of a midlife crisis-she hadn''t acted like this before.


    Anastasia, picking up on Katelyn''s frustration, kept her silence.


    Monica, watching from the sidelines, didn''t think it was her ce to say anything.


    Herman handed their daughter to Katelyn and picked up Emmie, saying, "I''ll drive you guys back. Monica, could you keep Anastasiapany for a bit? I''ll be back soon." "Sure, no problem," Monica replied quickly.


    With a child in each of their arms, they headed out.


    On the drive back to Southridge Estates, Herman said, "Mom, could you call someone at Salstrom Manor to pack up the amulet that Anastasia''s mom gave the kids and send it over?"


    The amulet had already been tossed, and Katelyn was at a loss.


    Herman gave her a pointed look, "Mom, be honest, where''s the amulet?"


    Katelyn couldn''t withstand his gaze and admitted, "I threw it away. It had pigeon droppings and iron filings in it, all that superstitious nonsense. It was dirty and full of germs. The kids are so little; I couldn''t let them wear that. Plus, it wasn''t worth much."


    Herman had suspected as much, his expression serious as he said, "Mom, that was a gift from their grandmother. It''s not about the money. If it seemed inappropriate, you could have just put it aside. Throwing it away was disrespectful."


    Katelyn, realizing she was in the wrong, responded weakly, "I didn''t think it through and just tossed it."


    Herman sighed, "Anastasia went through a lot to have these kids, and her mom values them greatly. We all love these kids and want what''s best for them, despite our differences. Mom, you''re known for handling things smoothly. This little issue shouldn''t be too hard for you, right?"


    Herman ttered Katelyn a bit to ease the tension before suggesting a solution, making it easier for her to ept.


    Katelyn smiled, "Since when did you get so charming? I was wrong about the amulet, and I''ll apologize to Anastasia''s mom."


    Herman grinned, "That''s the mom I know, always gracious."


    Katelyn shot him a look, "Don''t butter me up. Just take care of your wife and Geneva Stanton."


    "Mom, you''re my mom, and right now, it''s you who needs to make a change. I can''t go lecturing Geneva. Anastasia''s been through a lot, and I don''t want her upset over any disagreements about the kids. I want her to feel at ease at home." Herman added, "Anastasia knows you mean well. She won''t hold it against you; she''ll remember your kindness. When opinions differ, we just need to be understanding. That''s what family is about."


    Hearing this, Katelyn felt reassured and patted Herman''s hand, "You really get what family means, and that makes me happy. I understand now. I know what to do."