Chapter 146
Pattie and Anastasia looked like two peas in a pad when they were kids. This reminded Salma of years back when she handed a child over to an orphanage. She was struck dumb for a moment
âMaâam? Ma am? Pattie called her out twice.
Salma snapped back to reality, giving Pattie another careful look. She really did look just like Anastasia.
Anastasia, in a rush to work, didnât elaborate on Pattieâs situation. She only told Salma that Pattie was another tenantâs child in the neighborhood, and due to parental abuse, Anastasia couldnât stand by and watch, so she took the kid in.
Salma shook her head. It was probably just a resemblance. Kids these days all looked alike before they grew up.
âLetâs go to the playground: Salma said, taking Pattie by the hand.
After seeing Patties face a few times, they didnât really look alike anymore. Just from certain angles, they looked strikingly similar
Salma took Pattie to a nearby playground. Pattie was timid and didnât even dare to ride the merry-go-round. After much persuasion from Salma, Pattie finally hopped on.
It was Pattieâs first time on a merry-go-round. From the initial timidity to finally showing a smile, it was clear she was having a blast. Salma stood by, watching Pattie on the merry-go-round. It reminded her of when she took Anastasia on the ride when they were kids. The resemblance was uncanny
If Anastasiaâs child hadnât been given away, she would be about Pattieâs age by now Thinking about this, Salma felt deeply guilty. That was her granddaughter. She didnât know how the child was doing now.
Salma had been dreaming about the child she gave away. She went to the orphanage to ask about her, only to find out the place had been torn down a year ago and replaced with a shopping mall. The kids there had either been adopted or sent to other orphanages.
Finding one specific child wouldnât be easy, and Salma didnât have the ability to do it. Besides, Salma had left the child at the doorstep of the orphanage. If she hastily went looking, it mightâve brought trouble to Anastasia. Anastasia had a family now. If that child was brought back, it would definitely impact her life.
Salma had given away the child so Anastasia wouldnât be held back. Now, over four years later, it was even less appropriate to find the child and identify
her
âMa am, can I have one?â Pattie asked after getting off the merry-go-round. She saw other kids having cotton candy and was a little envious.
Pattie was quite mature but was still a kid.
âSure, Iâll get you one Salma bought Pattie two cotton candy.
Pattle beamed, saying, âThank youâ
âYouâre welcome Salma smiled, finding Pattie not as introverted as Anastasia described.
Herman dropped Anastasia off at work and parked his Chevrolet at a nearby parking lot. As soon as he got out, a Rolls Royce pulled up.
âMr. Salstrom âNelson got out and opened the door, waiting respectfully.
Herman asked, âHas the bark manager for todayâs meeting arrived?â
Nelson reported, âIrene messaged five minutes ago saying he has arrived at the reception office.â
âAlright, letâs head to the officeâ
It was rush hour, so it took Herman an hour to get to Elysian Tower.
As soon as Herman got out of the car, several company executives and secretaries came over to join him.
They were all waiting for Hermanâs arrival.
While Herman was listening to reports from the secretaries and executives, a voice called out from the side.
âMr. Salstrom, long time no see.â
The familiar voice made Herman stop in his tracks and turn around. A few meters away. Cason sat in a wheelchair, grinning at him,
Hermanâs eyes were cold. It seemed Cason knew his true identity
Herman said coldly. âYouâve got some nerve coming here.â
Cason replied with a smile, âMr. Salstrom, my firm has gone under, my familyâs factory has been seized, and Iâm in debt for millions of dollars, so I had no choice but to come to you for help.
Herman scoffed, looking down at Cason. âYou must be out of your mind.â
If he were sane, he wouldnât be asking Herman for money
Cason seemed confident and unafraid. He glanced at the people behind Herman and said darkly, âI think, Mr. Salstrom, you must care a lot about Anastasia. So you must care about her reputation as well. You wouldnât want the public to know that Anastasia had a child out of wedlock, would you?â
At this, Hermanâs expression changed slightly. He asked coldly, âA child out of wedlock?â