Chapter 257
Anyone wouldâve hit the roof hearing about something like this, let alone when it happened to someone Anastasia knew. She was absolutely livid. Her anger came in waves at the police station. If she hadnât kept a lid on it, she mightâve done more than just vent a little.
Herman said, âThatâs human nature. You canât look down on it or hype it up too much.â
Anastasia looked at him and teased, âOh, the philosopherâs spouting wisdom again.â His wisdom never seemed to run out.
He chuckled and asked, âWhat do you feel like eating tonight?â
âNot in the mood.â Anastasia had no appetite. She suddenly remembered something and said, âOh yeah, Alessia from our sales department got promoted to supervisor. Theyâre throwing a celebration dinner on Friday and invited me. They even asked me to bring my other half. Are you free that day?â
Herman couldnât possibly show up to an event like that. It would blow his cover. With an apologetic tone, he said, âI have a business trip to Crescent Bay on Friday morning. I wonât be back till the weekend.â
Anastasia was a bit disappointed, âI see. Well, thatâs okay.â She hadnât taken Herman to any other gatherings except for a school reunion.
Seeing her disappointment, he smiled and said, âIâll bring you back a present from the trip.â
âI donât need any presents. Youâre working hard on your trips, I feel bad if you have to buy me something.â Anastasia said, âAlessia is back to work, and my momâs foot should be okay by now. I think Iâll start working next week too.â
Anastasia didnât want Herman to be the only one working hard. Victor was paying her a good salary, and she wouldnât be able to justify not working. She had it all planned out. Sheâd get up early to make lunch for Pattie and her mom, and get back early to make dinner after work. It should work out just fine.
âJust do what makes you happy.â Herman said, âYouâll get bored at home. Itâs good to get out and work.â
Anastasia grinned, hooking her arm through Hermanâs, âThen itâs settled.â She couldnât stand being idle at home any longer. She was going stir crazy.
Herman looked at her fondly and said, âAlright.â
Just then, Hermanâs phone rang. It was Collin. âAny plans tonight?â Collin said on the phone, âIf not, letâs have dinner together. Flynnâs with me too. Letâs catch up.â
âSure.â Herman glanced at Anastasia and said gently to Collin over the phone, âWe have two people here.â
âTwo people?â Collin was taken aback, then realized, âYouâre bringing your lady? Great, itâs settled then. Iâll arrange it. Same place as always.â
âOkay.â Herman hung up and told Anastasia, âCollinâs inviting us to dinner tonight.â Collin had visited Anastasia in the hospital, so she would definitely show up.
âIâll call my mom and let her know we wonât be home for dinner. Iâll order takeout for her and Pattie.â Anastasia said.
Anastasia immediately called her mom. Upon hearing that her daughter and son-in-law wouldnât be home for dinner, Salma said, âDonât worry about us. Just have your dinner. The leftovers from lunch should be enough for Pattie and me. No need to order takeout. Itâs a waste of money and not hygienic.â
Anastasia said, âOkay, Mom, if we get back late, donât wait up for us. Have an early night. Give Pattie a bath and apply the allergy meds the doctor prescribed.â
Salma reassured her, âI know. Donât worry.â
After making sure her mom understood, Anastasia hung up. It was dinner time, so Herman and Anastasia headed straight to the restaurant that Collin had booked. Once they arrived, Anastasia was careful not to soil the million-dollar luxury car when she got out. The car belonged to Hermanâs boss. If it got dirty, Herman would be held responsible.
Flynn came out to answer his phone and saw Herman and Anastasia getting out of the Rolls-Royce. He was puzzled. Did Anastasia know about Hermanâs real identity? He didnât dare to say anything rashly. Instead, he walked over and said to Anastasia, âYouâre here.â
Anastasia greeted Flynn, then said to Herman, âIâm going to the restroom.â
Herman replied, âThe restroom is just inside on the left.â
Anastasia acknowledged and headed to the restroom.
Flynn asked, âDid you tell Anastasia everything? I saw you two getting out of your car.â
Herman replied, âNo. I told her itâs the bossâ car, and I just hitched a ride.â
Flynn was speechless. That worked? âShe believe in that weak excuse?â He was taken aback.
Herman replied calmly, âYeah.â
Flynn shook his head, feeling sorry for Anastasia, âAnastasia, sheâs too easy to fool.â
Meanwhile, Anastasia was in the restroom, completely oblivious to this conversation. She was washing her hands, fixing her hair when a voice with a weird tone came from behind, âDo you really think Herman loves you? Heâs been fooling you all along.â