Chapter 1309

"Of course. There's no need to fight your body; you need to communicate and compromise," Lily said, her voice calming. Anastasia sat up, eyes fixed on the desserts, swallowing hard. Her desire was palpable.

"Have a try?" Lily offered, noticing.

Slowly, Anastasia reached for a piece of cake. Lifting it to her nose, she inhaled deeply, desire warring with apprehension in her eyes.

"Have a piece. It's fine. Eat slowly," Lily encouraged.

Anastasia cautiously opened her mouth, treating the cake like a treasure. She stared at it before slowly placing it in her mouth.

Just as she was about to bite, a voice boomed, "What are you doing?"

The man's roar startled Lily. Anastasia, jolted, dropped the cake, scattering crumbs across the floor. Disappointment clouded her beautiful eyes; her hands clasped together as she hung her head, resembling a scolded child.

Lily was speechless. A stern, suited man strode into the living room, his expression grim. He glared at Lily before turning to Anastasia. "You! What are you doing?"

"Dad, I didn't eat it!" Anastasia whispered, biting her lip.

"Then what the hell were you doing? Didn't I say these things shouldn't be in this house?" He visibly suppressed his anger, but his fury remained evident.

"No, it's not for me! It's for Mrs. Russell!" Anastasia explained, waving her hands.

Seeing Cameron's reaction clarified Lily's doubts; she understood Anastasia's behavior. She sighed inwardly, noting his glance before he continued. "Since it's for the guest, let the guest take it herself."

"I... got it," Anastasia replied softly.

Cameron's heart softened at her apologetic demeanor. "Tasia, you know your condition. Listen to me. Bear with it this time." He then ordered a maid, "Serve Tasia a bowl of tomato soup."

Anastasia's unfinished protest was cut short by her father's gaze. Lily felt the tension.

"Secretary Rollins stresses me out. Unlike Alex, who's hostile but ignores boundaries, Rollins demands absolute obedience."

Soon, a bowl of red tomato soup, speckled with egg, arrived. Lily's appetite vanished at the sight. Anastasia clearly didn't want it, but under her father's gaze, she slowly sipped it.

Once she finished, Cameron's expression eased. He turned to Lily. "Mrs. Russell?"

Lily nodded, rising. "Secretary Rollins."

He gestured for her to sit. "I'm acquainted with your husband. My daughter isn't well; she can't eat unhealthy food. I hope you won't mislead her in the future."

His words held a hidden meaning—he'd overheard their conversation. His anger extended to Lily, but he couldn't reprimand her directly, given her connection to Alexander.

"Actually..." Lily began, wanting to explain.

"I know you meant well, but sometimes it's not beneficial," he said, his displeasure evident. "Tasia needs careful care. You didn't know before, but learn to respect others."

He thinks I disrespect them?

Lily would have left if not for Anastasia. Anastasia interjected, "Dad, it's not like that! Mrs. Russell is my friend! She's kind, so please don't blame her."

Cameron nodded at his daughter. "You too! You're an adult, control yourself! Don't just listen to others! If you can't control your appetite, you'll suffer!"

Lily saw his harshness stemmed from concern, but his methods were flawed.

"I got it, Dad," Anastasia murmured, her light dimming.

Lily stood, earning a sharp look from Cameron. Seeing Anastasia's wide eyes, she changed her mind. "It's late; I should go. Anastasia, visit me sometime."

Anastasia nodded. Lily managed a forced smile at Cameron before leaving.

Outside, she breathed a sigh of relief. The atmosphere had been suffocating. She felt sorry for Anastasia, understanding the source of her stress.

Starting her car, she looked back at the mansion, sighing.

Should I help her?