Anastasia felt a flicker of recognition, but couldn''t quite ce where she''d seen him before.


    "That''s Rowan," Christen exined. "He''s Asher''s younger brother, always helping him out. He got into it with Dailey over in Crescent Bay and ended up hurt. Remember when we were chasing Julie? Rowan got seriously injured, and Asher had to step in to help him." "Crescent Bay?" Anastasia''s memory clicked. "Oh, it was him! He got hurt because of Dailey back then?"


    She was surprised, recalling they had stayed at the same hotel, and she''d seen the blood on his arm. Rowan hadn''t even treated his wound and looked so frail when she saw him again, almost copsing. Anastasia reyed that day in her mind; after a brief chat with Dailey, Rowan had vanished.


    "Do you know him?" Christen asked.


    "Yeah, we''ve crossed paths a couple of times."


    "That makes sense," Christen replied. "I was pretending to be you back then. Maybe he thought I was you, which is why he took the hit for me."


    "But I barely know him," Anastasia said, puzzled. "He''s with Julie''s crew. Why would he protect me?"


    "That''s a good point," Christen agreed. "But I remember seeing fear in his eyes. He jumped in front of Julie''s knife, and the blood just poured out. Then he fought Dailey, making his injuries worse. It''s a wonder if he even survived."


    Anastasia thought about their brief encounter in the elevator, still baffled why Rowan would risk himself for her. She was aware of Julie''s illness. No matter what thew decided, Julie didn''t have much time left.


    With Herman away on business, Anastasia spent her days with the kids. Katelyn visited Southridge Estates daily to see the babies but wouldn''t stay long, which made everyone morefortable. Pattie got along well with her siblings, and there was no tension. Herman was in Springfield, and after finishing work each day, he''d video call Anastasia to check in on her and the kids.


    Salma, unable to sit still, found a job since there were nannies at home to help with the children. After noticing Katelyn''s attitude toward Pattie and her disdain for the gifts she''d given, Salma realized the differences between their families.


    She didn''t want to rely on her daughter and son-inw. As long as she was able, she didn''t want to be a burden. Earning her own money gave her peace of mind.


    Salma kept her job a secret from Anastasia, saying she was off to dance sses or social gatherings, but she was actually working as a cleaner at a hotel. The job was simple, just a four-hour shift changing linens after guests checked out.


    Salma had lived a life of insecurity and caution, never really having a moment to rx. Raising her daughter alone had been tough, but she bore it all quietly.


    Tavon had returned to Willowbrook and would asionally call Salma to catch up. Recently, Tavon had grown bolder with Sandy not around. Sandy had gone to Springfield to tour some factories, taking Sean along.


    In the house, Tavon feared Sandy the most. With Sandy gone, he started acting cocky again. He''d often stay out until the early hours, and Ashley was fed up with his drunken antics. "Tavon, do you think this house is a hotel? Coming and going as you please, drinking yourself silly. One day, you''ll end up with a stroke, stuck in bed, and who do you think will take care of you then?"


    Tavon ignored Ashley, lying back on the couch with his eyes closed.


    "Tavon, are you even listening? Have you gotten so sick of me you won''t even speak?" Ashley was seething. "You''re still hung up on Salma, aren''t you?"


    Feeling irritated, Tavon sat up and snapped, "Nag, nag, nag. If you''re going through menopause, see a doctor. Don''t take it out on me. We can''t have a conversation without fighting. What''s there to talk about anyway?"