The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Salstrom Manor.

Grannie Anita was in the family chapel, lighting incense for the Salstrom ancestors.

With a pleased smile, she muttered, "Ancestors of the Salstrom family, the child of that vixen is gone. I've finally done right by the family. When I join you in the afterlife, I won't be ashamed." After lighting the incense, Grannie Anita knelt on a cushion to pay her respects.

Suddenly, without any warning, all the ancestral tablets toppled over with a crash.

Grannie Anita was startled, staring at the fallen tablets in shock.

Just then, footsteps echoed towards the chapel.

The Salstrom family's chapel was sacred and off-limits. The household staff weren't allowed in, not even for cleaning that was always Katelyn's job.

Trembling, Grannie Anita stood up with her cane and turned towards the entrance.

Herman approached, his stride long and frosty, an aura of menace radiating from him.

Grannie Anita had never seen Herman look so terrifying, his presence so chilling it felt like the temperature had dropped. She was rooted to the spot under his oppressive aura.

She had an inkling why Herman was there. Clutching her cane tightly for support, she reminded herself she was his grandmother. Surely, he wouldn't harm her over a bastard child.

But as Herman drew closer, Grannie Anita noticed the gun in his hand. For the first time, fear flickered within her.

Trying to stay composed, she asked, "Herman, what are you doing with that gun? Do you really intend to kill your own grandmother over a bastard child?"

Herman slammed the gun on the altar with a loud clatter. His gaze was ice-cold as he asked, "Did you make Anastasia lose the baby? Katie confessed, but I want to hear it from you. How did my son die?"

Herman's expression was terrifyingly cold. Grannie Anita felt a shiver down her spine, but she tried to keep her composure and admitted, "Yes, I gave Anastasia something to terminate the pregnancy. The child is gone, isn't it? Herman, I told you, that child was a bastard. If you don't believe me, do a DNA test using the child's remains. See what Anastasia has to say then."

Grannie Anita's words cut into Herman like a blunt knife.

Herman looked at Grannie Anita, unable to recognize the loving grandmother he once knew.

Grannie Anita tugged at Herman's arm, insisting, "Herman, listen to your grandmother. You'll see I was right. Will you do the DNA test?" Suddenly, Herman laughed a hysterical, almost maniacal laugh. "The murderer of my son is my own grandmother. How ironic..." His laughter silenced Grannie Anita.

Herman's mood shifted abruptly. His gaze hardened as he pointed to the gun on the altar. "Grandma, end this yourself. Don't make me do it."

His words shocked Grannie Anita. She pounded the floor with her cane. "Herman, I am your grandmother. What did you just say? Repeat it in front of our ancestors."

Herman growled, "That was my son, only five months old. He was just formed, his features like mine. He didn't even get a chance to see the world before you killed him. You've always wanted a great-grandchild. Why did you harm him? If you weren't my grandmother, you'd be dead already. Do you know what happened to Katie? I had Dailey throw her body into the sea. But you're my grandmother, so I owe you a dignified end." Grannie Anita stood in shock, unable to believe her grandson would kill her.

Herman picked up the gun from the altar, loaded it, and handed it to Grannie Anita without any emotion. "In front of our ancestors, atone for your sins with your death, Grandma. I can't do it myself. This is the best solution. I owe it to my son and my wife to give them justice."