The Bond Between Us ( Anastasia and Herman) novel Chapter 1178

Aiden shook his head in frustration. “You’re almost forty, and you still act like a teenager—reckless, impulsive. Scott, you’re a real disappointment to me.”

Scott opened his mouth to say something but stopped himself. He just couldn’t do it—he couldn’t let Sandy down. To leave her now, or worse, make her give up their baby? That was beyond cruel.

Aiden, ever the rational one, only cared about the Stranz family’s reputation. But Scott—he was in too deep, completely caught up in his feelings.

Seeing Scott stay silent, Aiden’s patience snapped. “What, my words don’t mean anything now? Get rid of that woman. I’ll have someone put out a statement—make it clear to everyone that your marriage to Juliana is rock solid.”

Even if nobody bought it, it was a move they had to make.

“Dad, I can’t do it,” Scott said, his voice steady. “I was the one who got involved with Sandy in the first place. She’s carrying my child, and now you want me to just abandon her? What does that make her—a baby machine? If I can’t even protect the woman I love, what kind of man am I?”

“You should be protecting Juliana,” Aiden shot back, his tone sharp. “Don’t get it twisted, Scott. She’s your wife. As long as I’m around, that woman isn’t setting foot in this family.”

With that, Aiden turned and strode down the hospital hallway.

Scott stood outside, chain-smoking two cigarettes before he could get himself under control.

If Aiden wouldn’t give in, there was just no way Scott could bring Sandy into the family. Divorce? Forget it—he’d sooner move mountains.

…

Southridge Estates.

That evening, Herman came home and Anastasia filled him in on Juliana’s visit.

Herman raised his brows. “She didn’t show up with some grand plan this time?”

Anastasia grinned. “I know, right? She just dropped to her knees as soon as she walked in. I never would’ve guessed she’d come to me.”

“Looks like she finally got a reality check,” Herman said as he took off his jacket. “Old Mr. Zhou called me today, too. He’s not in favor of the divorce.”

“So now you’re everyone’s marriage counselor?” Anastasia teased. “Think Scott’s actually going to listen to you?”

“He won’t,” Herman said bluntly.

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