Chapter 358: Chapter 358

Chapter 358

Herman didn’t show a bit of interest in Julie, and Grannie Anita noticed. It seemed like it would take some effort to play matchmaker between the two.

“Since you’re too busy to hang out with me, Herman. I have to ask Julie to accompany me shopping. What’s so fun about playing cards anyway?” Grannie Anita chided, “And you, Herman, why don’t you greet Julie properly? You two practically grew up together.”

Only then did Herman glance at Julie. For Grannie Anita’s sake, he managed to say, “Ms. Brown.”

The formality of his greeting hung awkwardly in the air.

Grannie Anita nudged Herman. “What’s with the ‘Ms. Brown’? You two are close enough to be on first-name terms.”

Herman remained unmoved.

Julie, sensing the awkwardness, tried to break the tension. “Herman, what would you like to drink?”

Without waiting for Julie’s help, he signaled to the waiter. “A latte, please.”

“Certainly, sir,” the waiter replied, promptly leaving to prepare the order.

Grannie Anita, playing the matchmaker, attempted to steer the conversation. “Julie, I remember you once wore a beautiful white dress when you visited us. You looked so pretty. Herman even complimented you and told me he wanted to marry you someday.”

Herman frowned. “Grannie, I never said that.”

“You were too young to remember, but I kept it in my mind,” Grannie Anita replied, laughing. “I thought to myself. Once Julie grows up, I’ll let Herman marry her.”

Julie blushed. “Grannie.”

“Why shy? You like Herman, right? This is just perfect.” Grannie Anita teased. “If it weren’t for Anastasia’s sudden appearing, you’d already be my granddaughter-in-law.” The disdain for Anastasia was evident in her voice.

Herman chose not to argue, knowing it would be pointless.

As Herman kept silent, Grannie Anita decided to excuse herself to give the two some space. “Herman, I’m going to the restroom. You two chat.”

Once Grannie Anita left, the atmosphere grew tense. Julie glanced at Herman out of the corner of her eye. Noting his frosty demeanor, she stammered, “Herman…”

Herman interrupted her with his cold voice, “Ms. Brown, it seems you’ve forgotten how to address me properly.”

“Mr. Salstrom, Julie corrected herself quickly, trying to mask her embarrassment. “I didn’t expect Grannie to say such things. I didn’t mean to imply anything.”

Julie wanted to leave a good impression on Herman, not wanting him to think she had manipulated Grannie Anita.

“Good, let’s keep it that way,” Herman said with his icy tone. “And let me warn you. Stop scheming behind my back. Sending anonymous information to Salstrom Manor, paying Kitty to impersonate someone from a few years ago, and having someone send nude photos to my wife are childish games. Do you find them amusing?”

Herman’s direct accusation startled Julie, who quickly denied, “Mr. Salstrom, I don’t understand what you’re talking about.”

“A smart woman shouldn’t play dumb,” Herman retorted, showing no mercy. “If Ms. Brown continues to meddle, don’t blame me for making the Brown Corporation disappear.””

Since Herman was cutting straight to the chase, Julie dropped the pretense. “Yes, I did those things. I did it because I love you, Herman. I didn’t want you to be deceived by Anastasia. What does she have that I don’t? She’s a woman who had a child out of wedlock and now can’t even have children. Why do you love her so much? Without her, you would choose me. Even Grannie said she likes me and wants me to be her granddaughter-in-law.”

Herman’s icy gaze bore into Julie. “Ms. Brown, perhaps you should see a doctor about your delusions. I’ve never had any interest in you. I love my wife, and her past is none of your business.””

His words were cold and harsh, which hurt her deeply. Julie, embarrassed and humiliated, wished she could disappear. Her eyes welled up with tears, and she stuttered, “Herman, do you have to be so cruel? We’re childhood friends. Our families have known each other for years. I’m a girl, and you’re a man. Is it necessary to be so vicious to a girl?”

Herman scoffed, “You should be thankful you’re a woman, or else I would beat you now.”

His ruthless words pierced Julie’s heart, leaving her feeling wronged, humiliated, distressed, and angry. Tears slipped down her cheeks as she stood up and warned, “Herman, you’ll regret humiliating me like this today.”

Grannie Anita, who had been observing from a distance, rushed over when she saw Julie crying. “Julie, what’s wrong? Herman, why did you make Julie cry? Apologize immediately.”

Herman stood up. His voice was cold. “Ms. Brown, take care of yourself.”

Julie’s tears flowed even harder.

Julie, don’t cry. I’ll scold this naughty boy for you” Grannie Anita said, pretending to smack Herman.

Herman remained unmoved. Just then, his phone rang.

Picking up, he heard Monica’s frantic voice on the other end. “Herman, you need to get to the hospital. Anastasia is in trouble; she’s bleeding.

Hearing this, Herman’s expression changed dramatically. “What happened?”

“I don’t know,” Monica replied anxiously. “We were just having drinks, but suddenly Anastasia complained of stomach pain and started bleeding. We’re on our way to the hospital now.”