The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 697

Katelyn had always been a softie, especially when it came to her grandkids, and it often led her to overthink and worry. She even found herself considering ways to send Pattie away, just to keep her grandchildren safe and sound.

Wendy, noticing Katelyn's concern, added fuel to the fire. "You know, it's like inviting trouble into your own home, Katelyn. Better keep an eye out."

Others quickly agreed, "She's right. Kids can get competitive, and in families like ours, sibling rivalry can get pretty intense."

"Yeah, it reminds me of that news story," someone cut in. "A four-year-old tricked her little sister to the balcony and pushed her off. Everyone thought it was an accident until the footage showed otherwise."

"Kids today are sharp, sometimes too sharp for their own good."

"Katelyn, you should think about sending that girl away. She's not your blood, and she's mute. What's the point?"

Just then, a cold voice cut through the gossip. "The Salstrom family affairs are not your concern. I'm Herman Salstrom, and no one will send my daughter away."

Everyone turned to see Herman, his icy stare silencing the room instantly. Katelyn, noticing her son's stern expression, felt a pang of guilt. "Herman, dear, we were just chatting. We didn't mean to actually send Pattie away."

Herman strode in with a determined air, eyes locking onto Wendy. Wendy, unable to hold his gaze, looked down, feeling guilty.

Herman instructed his bodyguards, "Please escort Wendy out."

Herman scoffed, "Let's check the surveillance. It'll show us who really spilled it."

Herman wasn't planning to make a scene but couldn't let the gossip slide. "No one slanders or wrongs my daughter without consequences," he declared.

The tension in the room spiked as Wendy's husband, Hunter, rushed in, alarmed by what he'd heard.

The atmosphere was thick with unease as Hunter tried to piece together the situation through silent exchanges with his wife.

When the surveillance footage played, showing Wendy knocking over the cup and Pattie trying, but failing, to catch it, the room was filled with shock and realization. Wendy had known the truth but let the blame fall on a child who couldn't defend herself. In that moment, everyone saw Pattie's innocence, her inability to speak making her an easy target.