Herman’s comment made Mr. Walker’s face shift, just a flicker, but enough. He knew exactly what Herman was alluding to—there was no question, Herman was here to get justice for Anastasia.
Mr. Walker kept his polite smile, mind spinning as he picked up his coffee and took a sip. “Bitter. This coffee just doesn’t hold a candle to tea. Tea starts out bitter, sure, but the more you sit with it, the sweeter it gets.”
Herman matched his smile, though it didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Tea and coffee aren’t even in the same league. Tea’s got thousands of years of history. Coffee? Barely a century here, and maybe only popular in the last twenty years.”
Mr. Walker nodded. “Exactly. Our tea is still the best. Everything passed down from our ancestors is worth cherishing.”
Their chat sounded casual, but every word was a subtle test.
Since Mr. Walker didn’t mention the real issue, Herman saw no need to push it. Now, it was all about who could stay patient the longest.
Herman nodded politely. “Absolutely. Tea is a treasure.”
But Mr. Walker could see Herman was dodging, refusing to bite, acting clueless. He was starting to get anxious.
Herman might be younger, but his composure and depth were nothing to sneeze at.
Anyone else would’ve already called him out directly, or at least brought up Rowan turning himself in, or demanded an explanation about Anastasia’s kidnapping.
But Herman? Not a word.
For a moment, Mr. Walker just couldn’t get a read on him.
He took another sip, and Herman said, “Mr. Walker, if coffee’s not your thing, how about we switch to tea?”
“No, no,” Mr. Walker replied, still smiling. “When in Riverdale, you’ve got to learn to appreciate the local coffee.”
“Fair enough.” Herman sipped his coffee, cool as ever.
Mr. Walker was at a loss.


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Comments
The readers' comments on the novel: The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)
Author pls Pls don't separate Ana and Herman once again because of Sandy. There must be an ending to Ana's sufferings!...
Yes yes yes!!! Thank you!!!...
How comes the twists are becoming uninteresting and unrealistic? Readers will prefer cleaner straight happy endings. Please don't go far beyond otherwise readers will lose interest. Time to end the story like we want it to be....
Please give us a happy ending for Anastasia and Herman with Pattie recognized as Herman's daughter, thank you!!!...
Pls update. This novel is really good....