It was a quiet night.


    Anastasiay in bed with Pattie, her eldest daughter, who was curled up contentedly in her mother''s arms. Pattie held on tightly to Anastasia''s arm, reluctant to let go. She snuggled closer, afraid that if she fell asleep, this moment would vanish like a dream, and her mom might be gone when she woke up.


    Anastasia gazed lovingly at her sweet, well-behaved daughter and softly said, "Pattie, there''s something I need to tell you. Your dad can''te back right now, and Grandma''s quite upset. She''s taken your little brother and sister to stay with her for a while. They''re herfort right now. Since Dad''s not here, I need to help Grandma in his ce. But your siblings are still so young, so I''ve decided to move to Salstrom Manor. Would you like toe live with me there?"


    Pattie looked up at Anastasia and shook her head, gesturing with her hands, "Mom, can I stay here with Grandma? You go take care of my brother and sister. I''m the big sister, so I should let them have some space. You cane back to visit me when you have time."


    Pattie wasn''t a little three-year-old anymore; she was over seven now and had grown up a lot. Before Anastasia''s return, Pattie had overheard Salma and Tavon talking about her mom''s situation over the phone.


    Pattie knew her mom was in a tough spot and didn''t want to add to her worries. Her siblings were young, and Grandma wasn''t too fond of her. If she went, it would only cause more trouble for her mom. She was okay staying here with her grandma.


    Anastasia tenderly kissed Pattie''s forehead, realizing her mother had predicted this.


    Pattie didn''t want to move to Salstrom Manor, and Anastasia understood why.


    "Pattie, I promise, once Grandma''s feeling better, I''ll bring your brother and sister back, and we can all be together again," she reassured, not wanting to upset Katelyn further or risk losing the connection with Emmie and Nancy. Building rtionships takes time and effort.


    When she held Nancy today, she could sense the child''s unfamiliarity, and Emmie''s indifferent gaze stung her heart. How heartbreaking it would be if her own children felt distant from her.


    With Herman having transferred thepany to her, making her the legal representative, she had to keep the business going. She couldn''t be everywhere at once.


    She also worried that Pattie might face difficulties at Salstrom Manor without her there to protect her.


    Pattie nestled closer to Anastasia, her voice full of love: "Mom, I love you. You''re my favorite. I know you love me too. Salstrom Manor isn''t far. You can visit me, and I can visit you."


    "I''m sorry for everything, sweetheart," Anastasia said, feeling a pang of guilt.


    Pattie beamed up at her, eyes sparkling: "Being your daughter is already the happiest thing for me."


    Anastasia''s eyes welled up with tears again. With such a considerate daughter and a pair of adorable twins, how could she let herself fall apart?


    Pattie reached up to wipe away her mother''s tears: "I understand, Mom. You''ve got the toughest job. Please try to be happy. I''ll always love you."


    Pattie understood her mother''s struggles and difficulties. She was content living here with Grandma, surrounded by love and learning from Ms. Liana, her tutor.


    She never mentioned her father, not wanting to make her mother sad.


    Anastasia felt a sense of relief: "Sleep now."


    That night, for the first time, Anastasia didn''t need to rely on a ss of wine to find rest. Holding her daughter close, she finally managed to get a good night''s sleep.


    And she didn''t dream of Herman.


    The next morning, Anastasia arranged for Christen to move her belongings to Salstrom Manor. She drove to Elysian Technologies herself.


    It was Monday, and thepany had its weekly meeting. During her maternity leave, Anastasia had familiarized herself with thepany''s operations under


    vel


    Herman''s guidance, understanding that there was a weekly meeting and a monthly review.


    Since Herman''s disappearance, Flynn had been holding down the fort, with


    Nelson, even injured, supporting him.


    Nelson, having worked alongside


    Herman for years, carried his influence and managed to maintain some order. But thepany was still gued by a few old hands taking advantage of the situation, undermining Flynn by skipping the meeting.


    Only a third of the staff showed up for today''s meeting. Flynn looked at the empty seats, his frustration evident. These people were clearly taking advantage of the situation.


    Flynn hadn''t been appointed acting CEO by Herman himself. His previous position as vice president and a past investigation for bribery made it easy for others to dismiss him.


    Even those who attended the meeting were just going through the motions, not taking it seriously.


    Frustrated but helpless, Flynn said to Nelson, "Distribute the reports to everyone. Let''s start the meeting. If anyone has anything to report, let''s hear it."


    As soon as he finished speaking, the door to the conference room swung open from the outside...


    Everyone turned to see who it was. Flynn''s eyes widened in surprise, "Ana..."