Herman had just shared his conversation with Katelyn with Anastasia.


    Anastasia sighed, "You know, talking to her like that is only going to upset her. She''s still our elder, and you were pretty harsh."


    She also worried that Katelyn might think Anastasia was the one pushing Herman to speak that way.


    "She''ll need to adjust," Herman said, furrowing his brow. "Ever since the baby arrived, my mom''s been making some unreasonable demands."


    "I''ll keep an eye on the baby; you go talk to your mom," Anastasia said, setting aside the baby clothes she was folding, and went to find Katelyn.


    Katelyn had been miffed about a previous disagreement over a protective charm, and her actions over the past few days hadn''t sat well with Anastasia. Still, family is family, and it''s important tomunicate rather than just point fingers.


    Katelyn, having been scolded by Herman, was sitting in the gazebo in the backyard, wiping away tears. She couldn''t figure out why everything she didtely seemed wrong.


    She thought she was doing it for the baby''s sake, arranging for Sandy and Tavon to stay over, trying not to let Anastasia lose face.


    Seeing Katelyn from afar, teary-eyed, Anastasia remembered all the kindness Katelyn had shown her since marrying Herman. The minor tiffs they''d had seemed trivial now. Anastasia approached, "Mom, the mosquitoes by the pond are terrible, let''s go inside."


    Katelyn turned away, drying her eyes, not wanting Anastasia to see her crying.


    "I''ll sit here a bit longer, Ana. You go back inside and look after the little one."


    "Upset, Mom?" Anastasia sat down, reaching for Katelyn''s hand with a smile, "Herman is your son, and you know how he is. Part of this is on me. I should''ve asked who wasing and sorted out amodations. I admit, I''m not Sandy''s biggest fan, but as hosts, we need to show some hospitality. It''s just one night, and I''m not ming you. If I said or did anything wrong, let''s not hold grudges."


    Navigating the mother-inw and daughter-inw rtionship was proving to be a delicate dance for Anastasia. Every word and action needed careful thought, alongside managing her own emotions and when topromise.


    With Anastasia''s acknowledgment, Katelyn''s grievances began to fade, "I''m at fault too. Herman''s right; I shouldn''t have taken liberties. Lately, I''ve been so anxious about the twins, maybe causing some tension, but I just can''t help it."


    "Everyone has their own way of doing things, Mom. No need to hold back," Anastasia reassured her. "When ites to the babies, we''re all learning. If there''s anything we''re doing wrong, please teach us. You raised Herman well, and I''m sure Emmie and Nana will turn out just fine too."


    Katelyn felt a pang of guilt, "Actually, Herman was mostly brought up by his grandmother. After he was born, she criticized my parenting, insisting everything be done her way."


    Anastasia realized Katelyn''s past regrets might be driving her desire to have a say in her grandchildren''s upbringing. Monica''s warning echoed in her mind that without setting some boundaries, Anastasia might struggle to make decisions for her own children. Just then, the nanny informed Anastasia that Salma was looking for her. Katelyn suggested, "Ana, you go ahead. I''ll stay here a bit longer."


    Curious about her mother''s call, Anastasia headed inside.


    Left alone, Katelyn''s thoughts were interrupted by a warm voice, "Auntie, your garden is gorgeous. The little bridge over the stream, the orientation of the house-it''s clear you consulted a feng shui expert."


    It was Sandy.


    Dressed in a white dress and a light green jacket, her hair casually up, Sandy radiated a natural, approachable beauty.


    Sandy always seemed so cheerful and easy to get along with.


    Katelyn wondered why Anastasia might not like Sandy, possibly due to their half-sibling rtionship.


    Katelyn smiled, "You know about feng shui? Yes, we did consult someone when building the house."


    "When I was ill, all I could do was read, including some books on feng shui," Sandy replied with a smile. "I spent so many years in the hospital, it felt like a second home."


    Hearing this, Katelyn''s heart went out to Sandy, "What were you ill with?"