Chapter 376
Anastasia understood Salma and Monicaâs reservations, but she couldnât just act oblivious in the face of information about her child.
Anastasia pressed her lips together and said, âIâll go check it out first and make sure sheâs my daughter before making any long-term decisions. Of course, if I do bring back a child, Iâll have to discuss it with the Salstroms first. I wonât act impulsively.â She now had to consider Hermanâs feelings in every decision she made. Anastasia felt indebted to Herman, who had always stood by her, even when Grannie Anita was being difficult. She couldnât possibly hurt him just like that.
Salma and Monica felt relieved hearing Anastasiaâs words. They were just worried that Anastasia might bring a child home suddenly, which might upset the Salstroms.
Monica said, âIâll drive you there.â
An hour later.
South Mountain Orphanage.
The director, Anthony, was a kind-hearted man in his fifties and was loved by all the children.
Upon arriving at the orphanage, Anastasia explained her purpose, and Anthony handed her a file with a childâs information. âMs. Jewell, take a look. We adopted this child four years ago, and it fits the description you gave,â Anthony explained. âShe was brought here by a man who found her while collecting scrap. He intended to raise her himself, but perhaps found it too difficult and brought her to us instead.â
Anastasia listened while flipping through the file.
The file contained a photo of the child at four and a half years old. She looked quite different from the newborn in the photo Salma had shown her. The child in the picture had beautiful dimples, just like her own.
Monica was also looking at the photo, remarking, âShe does have similar eyes.â
Hearing Monicaâs words, Anastasia felt more confident.
âAnthony, where is the child now?â Anastasia asked urgently. âCan I meet her?â
Anthony handed her another file. âThis is the address of the foster parents who adopted her.â
âThank you, Anthony.â Anastasia couldnât wait to meet her child. Holding the file, she and Monica set off for the childâs foster home.
As soon as they left, a man named Joseph emerged from a restroom in the back of Anthonyâs office.
Anthony showed deference, saying, âMr. Salstrom, everything has been done as you instructed.â
âYouâve done well.â Joseph placed a bank card on the desk. âHereâs three hundred thousand. If that woman comes again, do as I say.â
Anthony nodded respectfully. âUnderstood. But, if that child isnât Ms. Jewellâs and they do a DNA test, wonât the truth be exposed?â âYou donât need to worry about that. Just do as Iâve told you, and youâll be well compensated.â Leaving those words behind, Joseph strode out.
Unaware of the trap, Anastasia was on her way to the foster parentsâ residence. Throughout the journey, Anastasia was excited yet nervous. Looking at the picture in the file; she said excitedly, âMonica, I owe this child so much. I donât know what to say when I see her. Iâm nervous. Should I buy her something? I wonder how sheâs doing with her foster parents.â
âSheâs almost five. Sheâs just a little girl. They usually love Barbie dolls and such cute toys. But itâs your first visit, and you still donât know the situation. Maybe you shouldnât buy anything yet.â
âRight, to avoid any misunderstanding with the foster parents.â Anastasia was worried. âIâm afraid the foster parents wonât let go.â
While they were talking, the car arrived at the residential area.
Monica parked the car by the entrance of the complex. They walked in and, following the address Anthony had given them, found the door of apartment 1102 in building 78.
Anastasia checked the address and rang the doorbell. Soon, someone opened the door. A little girl stormed out before Anastasia could see inside, nearly running into her.
00.P4 .FL
The little girl shouted angrily at a man inside the house, âGo ahead, hit me! After all, Iâm not your own daughter. My real parents will come for me sooner or later.â