Chapter 269
Anastasia felt utterly wiped out and decided to stay put and rest in the hotel. While Herman, on the other hand, was all spiffed up and ready to step out.
On seeing Herman descending the stairs, Nelson quickly got up to greet him, âMr. Salstrom.â
Mr. Slater also rose to welcome Herman.
Herman walked up to Mr. Slater. In stark contrast to his gentle demeanor towards Anastasia earlier, he now wore a frosty expression, âMr. Slater, sorry to have kept you waiting.â
âNo worries.â Mr. Slater replied with a smile, âMr. Salstrom, our ride is waiting outside. Shall we hit the road?â
âSure.â Herman headed towards the hotel exit, casually inquiring, âWhereâs the lady you brought last night, Mr. Slater?â
Mr. Siater, fearing a blow-up from Herman, hastily explained, âMr. Salstrom, are you referring to Crystal? Sheâs feeling not well today and took a day off. I apologize for any inconvenience we caused. I hope you understand.â
âThereâs no need to get your knickers in a twist, Mr. Slater. I just want to ask her a few things.â Herman said, âCould you get her to come over?â
Unable to figure out what Herman was up to, Mr. Slater nevertheless agreed immediately, âSure thing. Iâll call her over right away.â To him, throwing a woman under the bus was a small price to pay for securing a deal.
Herman instructed Nelson, âTreat her well when she gets here. We need to find out who is behind the scene.â
Nelson, clueless about the specifics, glanced at the visibly shaken Mr. Slater before responding, âYes, Mr. Salstrom.â
After grabbing a bite, Anastasia slept once again and woke up at five in the afternoon. She had literally slept all day, completely flipping her regular schedule upside down.
She had been dead beat the previous night. Driving through the night and dealing with Hermanâs antics had drained her completely. After sleeping all day, Anastasia finally started to feel more like herself. She called her mom from the bed to check up on her and Pattie.
On the phone, Salma reassured her, âPattie and I are just playing downstairs. We are doing fine at home, so donât worry!â
âOkay.â Anastasia replied with a hint of worry, âMom, please be careful since you have trouble walking. And watch Pattieâs diet too. Iâm currently in Crescent Bay on a business trip with Herman and might not be back until tomorrow.â
Figuring there was no reason to beat around the bush, Anastasia decided to come clean. Making up excuses for not returning in a day or two would only make her mother worry.
On hearing this, Salma chuckled, âAlright, got it. Donât worry about us while youâre away on business with your husband.â Salma was undoubtedly pleased to see her daughter and son-in-lawâs relationship going strong, even accompanying each other on business trips.
Even Pattie, who was sitting nearby listening to the conversation, laughed, âSo mom went to meet dad.â
âYou little rascal.â Anastasia was both amused and exasperated at Pattieâs cheeky remark.
After chatting with Pattie for a bit, Anastasia hung up.
Checking the time, Salma suggested to Pattie, âLetâs go out for dinner tonight.â
âAwesome!â Pattie squealed in delight, âWeâre going to a restaurant.â
Salma smiled, âWhat do you feel like eating, Pattie?â
âMcDonaldâs!â Pattie blurted out excitedly, âGrandma, can we have McDonaldâs?â
âKids love McDonaldâs.â Salma replied, âAlright, weâll go to McDonaldâs. But remember, we canât have too much of this fried stuff. Itâs not good for our health.â
âOkay, Grandma. I got it. Pattie giggled, âYouâre the best, Grandma.â
âYou little munchkin.â Salma was in high spirits. Seeing Pattie reminded her of Anastasia some twenty years ago. Anastasia too used to be a charming little girl, always sweet-talking.
Looking at Pattie, Salma sighed softly, âI wonder how that child is doing now.â Her thoughts once again drifted to her biological granddaughter.
Pattie asked, âWhatâs wrong, Grandma?â
âNothing, darling. Letâs go get some McDonaldâs. My treat today.â Salma said.
Salma and Pattie made their way out of the complex. There was a McDonaldâs in the neighborhood. As they stepped out, they immediately bumped into Tavon âSalma.â Tavon greeted, stepping forward to support her, âYou shouldnât be walking around with your leg. Where are you headed? Iâll take you.â
âPattie wanted McDonaldâs, so we were heading there.â Salmaâs tone noticeably softened around Tavon.
Tavon glanced at Pattie, not particularly interested in her identity, âWell then, Iâll give you both a lift.