"Wait, did Sandy really go to Willowbrook?" Anastasia was caught off guard by this revtion. Was Sandy actually at the scene of the incident? Her expression turned serious as she sat up straight, pausing the video with a click of the mouse.


    On screen, Sandy was busy volunteering, helping the injured. She seemed genuinelypassionate. Manyments praised her as the "most beautiful hero," but Anastasia could see through the facade. Sandy was putting on a show. Every camera angle was perfect, and even her expressions seemed rehearsed. Despite her disheveled appearance, her makeup was wless.


    If Sandy was there, did she run into Herman? Dailey had mentioned that Herman might have been taken by someone. Rowan imed he never saw Herman. Tavon gossiped that Sandy had a "boy toy" stashed somewhere. Anastasia reyed everything in her mind, considering the recent strategic moves by the Morton Group, which had Herman''s signature style written all over them.


    A daring thought crossed her mind-did Sandy take Herman? The possibility jolted her. She immediately called Dailey.


    As soon as he answered, Anastasia blurted out, "Dailey, you said there''s a good chance Herman was taken. Do you have any more leads?"


    “I''ve been tailing Asher for days, but nothing unusual,” Dailey replied. "Don''t worry, Ana, I''ll keep a close eye."


    "No, Dailey, we might be looking at the wrong person. I met Rowan, and he swore he hadn''t seen Herman. I trust him." Anastasia didn''t have a concrete reason for her trust in Rowan, but it felt right.


    "Do you have a new lead?" Dailey asked.


    "Yes, I was going through some old news reports and noticed Sandy was there. I''m thinking of heading to Willowbrook tomorrow," Anastasia exined. "I''ll check things out myself. Meanwhile, see if you can track down James." James had been off the grid for months now.


    "Got it," Dailey agreed. He''d also heard about Nelson''s injury. With Christen unable to assist and Henry still a rookie, Dailey decided to return and support Anastasia.


    After the call, Anastasiabed


    through online articles, hoping to uncover more clues. She found


    et jel


    Sandy featured in several posts but nothing linking her directly to Herman. Feeling a glimmer of hope, Anastasia nced at a pair of cherry earrings on her bookshelf. The sight warmed her heart.


    "Herman, hang tight," she whispered softly.


    "Ana, why are you still up? Don''t you care about your health?" Salma, her mother, entered the room. “You shouldn''t be staying up sote every night. It''s not good for you."


    "Mom, I know. I''ll head to bed soon. By the way, I''m going to Willowbrook tomorrow," Anastasia decided on a whim.


    "Willowbrook? Why?" Salma was surprised but quickly added, "It''s a good time to check on your father."


    "What''s up with Dad?" Anastasia asked, concerned.


    "He''s in the hospital again," Salma sighed. "I called earlier today and found out he has a mild concussion after a scuffle with Ashley. I don''t know all the details." Salma had no intention of getting involved in family drama. Tavon hadined to her, but she was content to stay out of it.


    "Alright, I''ll visit him tomorrow," Anastasia said, standing up. "Mom, sorry to leave you with everything. Pattie has school, and Emmie and Nancy have their appointments. If it gets too much, maybe have the kids'' grandmae over."


    "Don''t worry, I''ve got it under control," Salma assured her.


    With everything arranged, Anastasia booked a flight and left for


    Willowbrook bright and early.


    Without giving Tavon a heads-


    she went straight to the hospital, catching everyone off guard Sandy was there, bringing breakfast. She nearly dropped the bowl of oatmeal when she saw Anastasia.


    Seeing Anastasia, Sandy felt a pang of insecurity, instinctively knowing that


    Anastasia was there because of Herman.