“Then why are you here? To laugh in my face?” Fabian let go of the bars and slid to the floor, looking depressed. “I don’t know what I’ve done wrong.”Cameron felt conflicted. He loved his wife and tolerated Fabian because of her. Despite Fabian’s wrongdoings, Cameron tried his best to help him whenever possible.Still, Cameron had never misused his influence to help Fabian because he knew it could lead to his and Fabian’s downfall. However, Fabian’s fate was not up to Cameron this time.Fabian got what he wanted because Cameron was under Rhea’s control then. Later, Rhea secretly conducted illegal experiments at the base while Fabian attempted to rake in bribes and kickbacks through the project.Fabian was not fit to do business because he had no vision and was not cool-headed enough. Cameron knew Alexander could easily bankrupt Fabian’s company if he wanted to. However, since Alexander did not wish to monopolize the market, he let it pass when Fabian stole the contract from his
“Hey, my sister married you when you were a nobody, remember? How could you forget about your promise to her after becoming successful? If you kill me, I’ll fucking haunt you!” Fabian was furious, thinking that was what Cameron meant.“She’s not dead.”Fabian was stunned. He blinked stupidly, thinking he had misheard it. “What? What did you say?”“Rhea’s still alive,” Cameron continued after a pause, “Maria should know about it too.”“How’s that possible?” Fabian did not believe him. “She died in an explosion, and the police provided proof. There was also the autopsy report. Everyone saw Maria break down when we buried Rhea. What bullshit are you spewing?!” Fabian thought Cameron was lying.‘How would I not know if Rhea is still alive?’However, Cameron’s gaze was firm despite his indifference. “It doesn’t matter whether or not you believe it. I’m just telling you she’s alive and has done many unimaginable things. You ended up here because of her!”Fabian widened his eyes, ove
Maria stiffened when she saw Anastasia, snapping, “What the hell are you doing here?!”“Aunt Maria,” Anastasia greeted and entered to look at the mess. After hearing about what had happened, she knew the house would be a mess. Still, it was worse than she had imagined.“Are you here to laugh in my face?” Maria asked asked after scoffing.“Why would I do that, Aunt Maria?” Anastasia blandly sighed, “I’m here to see how you’re doing. Don’t worry. Uncle Fabian isn’t involved in the more severe crimes. My father will see what he can do to help.”Her words made Maria realize something that made her attitude change. “Your father came back?” She realized she had misspoken and rephrased herself, “No, I mean, is your dad at home now?”“He’s not home now, but he has safely returned. Don’t worry,” Anastasia said meaningfully.Maria’s gaze wavered. “Of course, I’m not worried. Your father is a capable man, isn’t he? I’m more worried about your uncle. His parents passed away when he was a kid
“Aunt Maria, as I said, my father has returned safely,” Anastasia said meaningfully.Maria was at a loss for words. She knew she could no longer play dumb. She seemed to have decided something and turned to hold Anastasia’s hand, saying, “Tasia, I know Rhea tried to harm you and your father, but she’s your cousin. She wasn’t thinking straight and was sorry for what she did.“She didn’t mean to hurt you two, Tasia,” Maria spoke in tears, “Please forgive her. Besides, Alexander Russell has taken her away, and I don’t know if she’s still alive. I wanted your help to save her, but then Fabian got arrested.”Anastasia had never seen her aunt crying so hard before.Maria had always smiled and presented herself as a wealthy lady. However, her hair became disheveled, her eyes were red and swollen, and even her voice was shaky.“Aunt Maria…” Anastasia gently called out after sighing. “Rhea didn’t care that I was her cousin when she poisoned me, did she?” Maria was stumped. Her face flu
Anastasia knew her aunt had always been good to her. However, Anastasia realized it was no longer the case as Maria only treated her well to curry favors with Cameron.Rhea thought her mother treated Anastasia better, but Maria would only pretend to make a fuss over Anastasia whenever something terrible happened. Meanwhile, Maria would weep through the night if Rhea were to scrape her knee.Anastasia liked eating sweets when she was little. Despite her tendency to gain weight, Maria still bought them whenever she craved them. Simultaneously, although Rhea loved potato chips, Maria stopped her from eating them and instructed the cooks to make healthier snacks for her.Only after growing up did Anastasia realize indulgence without moderation was not good. Just like now, Rhea had done so many wrong things, yet Maria still tried to defend her and keep her secrets. Of course, Maria also wanted to make it up to her daughter, who, unfortunately, still felt neglected and unloved. As a re
After all, Anastasia treated her aunt and uncle as family. She never blamed them when Rhea poisoned her because they did not know about it. Moreover, Maria had spent much time searching for a cure for Anastasia over the years.Of course, Maria had an ulterior motive, but Anastasia knew it was part of human nature to be selfish. Although flawed, Maria and Fabian were still her family.However, Maria’s words had shattered Anastasia’s sentiments. Instead of admitting Rhea had done many horrible things, Maria blamed everything on Cameron and Anastasia.Anastasia was disappointed and had nothing more to say to her aunt. She got up and looked at Maria, saying, “I said what I needed to say. Take good care of yourself.”She motioned to leave, but Maria was stunned. The latter did not expect her niece to walk away without showing remorse or unease.“You can’t go!” Maria hurried over and grabbed Anastasia’s arm, “Tasia, only you can save them now. What about your uncle? He hasn’t broken any
Since Anastasia did not come alone, she could leave even if Maria refused to let her go. Nonetheless, Anastasia did not want things to end so poorly for her aunt.When Anastasia returned to the car, she turned back to look at the house. All her childhood memories flooded her mind as she recalled her time here.“Would you like to stay a little longer?” Cameron asked, sitting beside her.“No.” Anastasia shook her head, knowing she should not dwell on the past.“Let’s go,” Cameron instructed the driver.As the car moved away, Anastasia looked at the receding house and buried her head into her father’s shoulder, sobbing, “Why? Why did things have to turn out this way?”Cameron caressed her head and sighed. He could feel her pain. He only showed Fabian and Maria mercy for his daughter’s sake. If not, Maria would have ended up in a cold, damp holding cell like Fabian.“It’s just human nature,” he murmured.“I don’t believe it.” Anastasia looked up with teary eyes. “Uncle Fabian and A
“Okay,” Anastasia nodded and leaned into her father’s shoulder, asking, “So where’s Rhea now?”“Alex took her away since she might have some valuable information. Perhaps she can use this opportunity to redeem herself.” Cameron knew what Alexander and the others were doing and did not object.After all, Rhea had worked for the organization for a long time. Simultaneously, Cameron hoped she would mend her ways and make up for what she did. However, he knew the odds were low.“I never thought so many horrible things would happen around me.” Gazing ahead, Anastasia said sadly, “If I hadn’t gotten infected, I wouldn’t have realized how scary the virus is.”Her words reminded Cameron of what she had been through. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay now? Sit up and let me look at you.”Anastasia spread her arms, saying, “I’m okay, see? They wouldn’t have discharged me if I was still sick. Besides, they gave me a thorough examination at the hospital. Not only am I cured—I also feel better