The Bond Between Us (Anastasia and Herman)

Ever since Alisa suddenly managed to pay off her debts and started living so carefree, everyone assumed she must have done something shady. And honestly, when a woman comes into money that quickly, people just think there's got to be a man involved.

Alisa started dressing to impress, and Jason figured she'd just let herself go. He was convinced she'd taken the easy way out. But Alisa didn't care what Jason thought. She looked him right in the eye and asked, "So, you've got someone new now, huh? I heard from the guys at the station you brought in some gorgeous woman for a date. Didn't you always say you were only into that woman named Qin? Was that just an excuse?"

Alisa was annoyed. Jason could like Monica, he could like anyone he wanted, so why did he have to be so heartless with her?

"My life's none of your business," Jason said, barely looking at her. "I'm busy. I need to go."

"Don't you dare leave," Alisa said, grabbing his arm. "Look at me, Jason. Can't you even like me a little? After everything you've done for me and my family all these years, you must care about me a bit, right?"

"Alisa, if you have any shame left, you'll stop," Jason snapped, his voice turning cold as he pointed at her. "Let me ask you-how did Will really die?"

Alisa, shameless as ever, just smirked. "I know you feel guilty about Will, that's why you keep turning me down, right? Sure, Will died taking a bullet for you on a mission, but we can't just keep living in the past, can we?"

Jason couldn't believe his ears. The quiet, kind Alisa he once knew was all just an act.

He cut her off, furious. "Will was diagnosed with late-stage cancer before that mission. He only had three months left."

Alisa froze, completely shocked. Her face said it all: "How did you know?"

Jason's tone was icy. "I didn't report you for Will's sake, and because Isla was just a kid. But if the higher-ups ever find out about your family's scam—that you all pretended to be a hero's family just to get benefits-you'll be in big trouble. That's fraud, Alisa. You'd all have to answer to the law."

Alisa shook her head, stubborn as ever. "How is that illegal? Will was sick, sure, but he still died in the line of duty. We deserve those benefits."

Jason was speechless. It was like talking to a wall.

When Monica first told him about the Browns' secret, he couldn't believe how bold they were. Maybe Will had his reasons, with his parents and Isla to think about. But the rest of the family? They didn't even feel guilty-they acted like it was all just their right.

Unbelievable.

Jason didn't want to argue anymore. He was done with Alisa and her family. He'd spent years looking out for them-his time, his money-but now he just wanted to cut ties for good.

"Jason! Jason!" Alisa stamped her foot as he walked away, fuming.

She'd finally swallowed her pride to come find him, and he'd been so cold.

In her head, she seethed. Jason, you pushed me to this. Don't blame me for what comes next.

As soon as she left the police station, Alisa called Harry to push him into action.

But Harry never took orders from anyone. He wasn't anyone's lackey. He snapped, "I'll handle it. Stay out of my way."

Harry already had his eyes on a new target. His dark side was taking over, and all he could think about was finding his next victim.

Meanwhile, Hank had joined a ton of online chat groups, following Jason's playbook. He acted the part, scammed a few guys in the groups, then slipped out.noveldrama

Of course, those "victims” were really just Jason's burner accounts.

After Hank left, Jason kept the act going. He used his other fake accounts to stir up the groups, posting Hank's "RabbitLovesCarrots" profile and WhatsApp number, ranting about how he'd been scammed. "Watch out for this RabbitLovesCarrots. She's a scammer," he warned the guys.

Another fake account chimed in: "You too? She took $1,500 from me totally wiped me out."

A third account jumped in, posting a heavily filtered photo of Hank in drag-almost unrecognizable. "Is this her? She scammed me out of five hundred bucks. Guess I just have to live with it."

"Yeah, that's her," someone else replied. "Looks sweet, but she's a crook."

"These women who scam men out of their hard-earned money... they deserve what's coming," another added.

Hank couldn't help but laugh, giving Jason a thumbs up. “Man, you've got a real talent. How'd you end up a cop and not a screenwriter?"

Jason stayed serious. "Cut the chatter. Keep active in the other groups, use more fake accounts, stick to the script. Harry's probably in there somewhere, watching. And keep an eye on your WhatsApp requests-Harry could be any one of them."

Hank rolled up his sleeves. "Don't worry, Jason. I've got this. Never had a case like this before-it's actually kind of fun. But hey, this isn't even your case. If we catch the guy, you won't get the credit."

"Catching the killer's all that matters. Forget the credit. Get to work."

"Got it."

They kept up the act, fishing for Harry in every group they could find.

Jason was right on target. Just like he guessed, Harry was lurking in one of those groups, keeping a close eye on RabbitLovesCarrots.

The more Harry saw guys complaining about being scammed, the more excited

he got. In his twisted mind, taking out a scammer like that was doing the world a

favor.

He didn't make his move right away, just watched from the sidelines.

Soon, Hank's WhatsApp account was flooded with friend requests—most just there to curse him out. But Jason had told him, "Anyone who adds you without cussing you out? That's probably Harry."

Made sense. The trolls just wanted to vent, but if Harry wanted to get close and strike, he wouldn't tip his hand by ranting up front.

For over two weeks, Jason and Hank kept up the charade. Jason hardly had time for Monica, but he always made sure she was safe and let her know where he

was.

One night, working out of a cheap hotel room, their patience paid off.

Almost midnight, Hank's phone buzzed-a new WhatsApp request. This one wasn't from a hater. The message just said: "Five grand for one night." "Jason! Jason! We've got a live one!" Hank's eyes lit up, waving his phone. "This guy's username is 'Scalpel.' He didn't insult me. Think this is Harry?"

Of course, Harry would be using a fake name too. No wonder he was so hard to catch.

Jason barely blinked. Everything was going according to plan.

"Hank, five grand for one night-you're worth a fortune," Jason teased, giving him

a light slap on the shoulder. "Accept the request."