Chapter 332
Herman was capable of having children, so why did he claim otherwise? It was a mystery, indeed.
Collin said, âWhy would I deceive you? Whatâs Hermanâs game though? The Salstrom family is well-established. Doesnât he want an heir?â
Flynn was not interested in running the family business. All he wanted was to live a privileged life, living off his inheritance without a care in the world. If it hadnât been for Herman forcing him to become the vice president of the company, he would never have set foot in the office, let alone consider taking over the business.
Flynn also began to ponder, âYeah, why would my older brother claim he canât have children? Doesnât he want a child with Anastasia? If these two combined their genes, their child would undoubtedly be stunning.â
Both men were trying to understand Hermanâs intentions when a sudden realization dawned on them. They locked eyes, and a shared shock reflected in their gaze. They werenât fools, and with a bit of thought, they could piece together the puzzle.
It wasnât Herman who was infertile, but Anastasia. This was a big deal. If Anastasia couldnât bear children, it would end Hermanâs lineage.
Collin remarked, âHerman must really be smitten to tell such a big lie for Anastasia.â
Flynn was equally astonished, âIf our parents found out, it would definitely cause a stir.â
Anastasia was Katelynâs ideal daughter-in-law, but if it was revealed that she couldnât bear children, things might change.
Collin quickly interjected, âFlynn, donât you dare spill that it was me who figured it out This canât get out.â
âOf course, it canât.â Flynn agreed, âMy older brother is head over heels for Anastasia: If I let this slip, he would kill me.â
The two men decided to keep the secret to themselves, pretending they were none the wiser. But unbeknownst to them, their conversation had been overheard by Julie, who had come to the office to find Herman.
Anastasiaâs inability to bear children was good news for her. In high society, a family would never accept an infertile daughter-in-law. Each daughter-in-law was expected to bear several children to strengthen the familyâs position. Julie was thrilled by the news. She decided not to look for Herman and quietly left the office.
The night before the annual gala. Anastasia was at home, choosing her dress. Herman had sent her several photos of different dresses, and she was having trouble making a decision.
âPattie, which dress do you think I should wear?â Anastasia asked, handing off the decision to her daughter.
Pattie studied the options carefully before pointing at a lavender ombre dress, âMom, this one is beautiful. Youâll look like a fairy if you wear this.â
The ombre dress was flattering only on certain skin tones, and Anastasiaâs complexion was perfect for it. The dress was strapless with sheer lantern sleeves, creating a dreamy and lightweight look.
Salma, who had just come in from the balcony, also glanced at Anastasiaâs phone, agree, this one looks nice. Ana, is it mandatory to wear a gown for the gala?â
âSo itâs settled.â Anastasia decided, âFor important events like this, there are dress codes. Mom, Herman also sent a few options for you to choose from.â
Salma was surprised, âIâm going too?â
âYes, you and Pattie are both going.â Anastasia replied with a smile, âThatâs what Herman said, and itâs his motherâs wish too.â
Pattie excitedly chimed in, âCome with us, grandma.â
Still, Salma was hesitant, âIâm afraid I might embarrass you. I donât know anything about these kinds of events.â
The last time they had seafood at the Salstromâs, Salma was so nervous that it turned into a comedy of errors. An event as significant as the annual gala, attended by high-society individuals, made her apprehensive.
Anastasia reassured her, âDonât worry. Hermanâs mother will take care of you.â
But Salma was adamant, âIâll stay home. You, Herman, and Pattie can go. I have a lot of housework to do. The sheets and blankets need washing.â
âMom.â Anastasiaâs words were interrupted by Hermanâs arrival.
Herman had been taking supplements recently, and the smell clung to him. As soon as he entered the house, Anastasia noticed the strong scent, âWhy does your scent of meds seem stronger these days?â