Sandy had to admit it—Anastasia''s move was ruthless.
She nced over at the driver. "Herman, you joining in on all thismotion too?"
He grinned. "Why not? It''s something to do. Honestly, that Mrs. Elysian Technologies... she''s gorgeous, and loyal, too. You don''t see women like her much anymore."
Hearing someone praise Anastasia, Sandy felt a wave of jealousy. "You know, rumor has it Anastasia had a kid before she married Herman. He''s been missing for months-some people say he''s dead. All this she''s doing? Just a big show."
"Seriously? Who spends that kind of money just for show?" The driverughed. "Have you seen those ads? They cost a fortune."
"Elysian Technologies has major pull. Most ces won''t even charge them for advertising-it''s all about favors and connections. Everybody wants to be on their good side."
The driver gave a sheepish smile. "You really know the inside scoop, huh? I don''t get all this high-society stuff, but you make sense. Tell you what, I''ll bet a thousand bucks Herman doesn''t show up. Just for fun."
Sandy didn''t answer. She stared out the window, watching as missing person flyers fluttered by wherever they drove.
Motel 6.
Herman stepped out into the morning air, determined to find this "Anastasia" Sandy mentioned.
As he wandered out, unsure where to go, his eyesnded on a huge LED billboard across the street.
There she was-Anastasia. The same woman from the photo Sandy had shown him.
"Anastasia... Anastasia..." Herman whispered, a storm of emotions brewing inside him. The ad kept looping, her voice echoing in the streets. Suddenly, he felt on the verge of tears.
His memories were fuzzy, but the feeling of familiarity was overwhelming.
Heart pounding, Herman gged down a taxi.
"Take me to Grand za Mall," he said as he slid into the back seat.
The ride was about half an hour. Everywhere he looked, Anastasia''s face stared back at him from billboards, and even the taxi''s radio yed her message on repeat.
Herman listened, fists clenched tight, every word hitting him like a hammer.
Meanwhile, at the za outside the mall, a crowd had gathered.
Katelyn, Feiman, Collin, and the rest of the family hung back, watching Anastasia holding her silent vigil.
Katelyn dabbed at her eyes, deeply moved. "That girl... she''s got a stubborn heart."
Feiman shook his head in wonder. "We''re blessed to have a daughter-inw like her. Must be good karma from past lives."
Monica nced at Anastasia, worry etched on her face. "How long can
Ana keep this up? If Herman doesn''t
she''ll be the talk of the whole
city."
BUMS
Jason tried to reassure her. "I just have this feeling-Herman''s going to show."
Monica shot him a skeptical look. "How do you know? He''s been missing for months! For all we know, he''s gone for good."
Jason leaned in and lowered his
voice. "I saw Herman yesterday. That''s why Anastasia rushed back here. We searched all night but came up empty, so she decided to do this-hoping Herman would see her."
Monica''s eyes widened. "You saw him? Are you sure it was really him? Why wouldn''t hee home?"
Feiman caught their conversation and moved closer. "Officer, you saw my son?"
Jason nodded. "I did. I even checked the security cameras. It was definitely Herman."
That news set everyone buzzing. Jason was a cop-if he said it, it had to be true.
Dailey chimed in, "Ana called me, said she thought the big guy was in Willowbrook. She went out there maybe he really is back?"
erdad
Salma nodded, "She told me too. She left for Willowbrook in a hurry and was back the next day. said there was a lead about Herman."
Collin''s face lit up. "So that means Herman really is back."
A wave of excitement ran through the group. Hope sparked in everyone''s eyes.
Time ticked by. The crowd outside the mall only grew, nobody willing to leave. Anastasia sat firm, steady as a rock.
Suddenly, a ripple went through the crowd. Someone shouted, "Look! He''s here! He''s really here!"
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