Chapter 1096

Anastasia hadn't been at the station long when Herman showed up.

He'd already picked up Feiman and Katelyn, and when he realized Anastasia wasn't home, he made a few calls and found out she was at the police station.

After taking Anastasia home and hearing the whole story, Herman said, “When Scott gets back, I'll have a talk with him. He needs to keep his wife in check.”

If it had been a man causing trouble, Herman would have handled it himself.

"Juliana was really out of line this time," Anastasia said, letting out a long sigh. "But honestly, it seems like her miscarriage wasn't just some random accident."

Anastasia had lost a child before-drugged by the nanny, left to suffer because of Gianna Edmunds' delay. That kind of pain, the heartbreak of losing a child, she knew all too well.

As a mother, she knew how unbearable that grief was.

She could understand Juliana's anger, even her lashing out.

But understanding didn't mean agreeing, or just letting it slide.

"That's their family's business. Whether it was an accident or not, let her figure it out. But to pin it on you and storm into the Salstroms' place? That's not something we can just ignore."

Anastasia squeezed Herman's hand. “Let's not talk about this during the holidays. It's supposed to be a happy time."

The whole thing barely made a dent in the Salstrom family.

But for the Stranz family, it was like a bomb went off.

Even Scott, who was overseas, got a call from home. Mrs. Goad was on the line, ranting and raving about Juliana's latest mess.

"Son, Juliana's lost her mind! She went after the Salstroms, accused Mrs. Salstrom of killing her kid—what kind of crazy talk is that? Those families barely know each other! She falls at home and blames someone else, drags them to the police for a showdown..."

Mrs. Goad was getting more worked up by the minute. "It's so embarrassing! I can't show my face anymore. Why do we need a daughter-in-law like this? Just find another woman, have a child-just don't let the Stranz family line end."

Scott pinched the bridge of his nose as he listened. After hanging up, he called Herman to apologize.

Herman was blunt: "Scott, get your wife under control."

It wasn't the first time Juliana had made a scene with the Salstroms.

She'd ruined Paradise's birthday, and now she'd gotten Anastasia hauled into the station. If this kept up, it wouldn't matter what Scott promised-no one would believe him.

Scott felt ashamed-he knew his family was in the wrong.

He'd just wanted some peace and quiet, but now he had to cut his trip short and

head back to Riverdale, terrified Juliana would stir up even more trouble.

Scott rushed back to Riverdale on New Year's Day. The nanny was already gone chased off by Juliana, Who still wouldnt let it go. She was running around looking for evidence and threatening to sue Anastasia.

The moment t Seott

walked in, Juliana latched onto him like he was her lifeline. "Honey, thank God you're back Listen our son's death wasn't accident. Someone did it. There was oil on the stairs-the nanny and Anastasia set me up. I'm trying to find proof..."

“Juliana, calm down," Scott said, exhausted. “I just got home. I don't want to hear any more crazy talk. It's New Year's-do you have to ruin it for everyone?"

Juliana looked at him, shocked. "That was your son! He was killed! Aren't you going to fight for him?"

Scott took a deep breath and met her eyes. "Okay, tell me do you have any proof?"

"No," Juliana admitted. "Anastasia's too smart-she wouldn't leave any evidence. And the nanny won't talk. It's so frustrating."

"Enough," Scott said sternly.

"Juliana, if you want our marriage to

last, you need to stop. Anastasia has no reason to hurt you. The

Salstroms and the Stranz family

aren't enemies. Don't make things

worse. You're putting the

family and me in a tertible

position."

"She has every reason! Paradise and Layna have problems, and Anastasia holds a grudge. That's why she did it."

“That's a stretch," Scott said, completely worn out. “Juliana, just stop."

"You don't love me anymore,” Juliana said quietly. "You must have someone else. Your mother told you to find another woman and have a child."

"This is ridiculous," Scott replied, not even bothering to argue. "Think whatever you want, Juliana. But everyone's patience runs out eventually. Stop pushing mine."

He left it at that and headed upstairs.

Layna was sitting on the stairs. As Scott walked by, he noticed her and frowned, wanting to say something. But he just didn't have it in him anymore, so he let it be.