Chapter 1326

Maria took a few steps forward, snatching up the half-empty glass of prune juice. "This is the proof!" she declared, a cold chuckle escaping her lips as she noticed Lily's raised eyebrow. "What's wrong? You still won't admit it? Do you dare say it's not juice?"

"Even if you don't know about Tasia's health condition, you shouldn't have offered juice to someone so overweight! And I know she had lunch here this morning. What did you feed her?" Anastasia remained silent, guilt gnawing at her. She'd eaten some meat, despite Lily's permission, and now felt as though she'd ingested poison.

Lounging in her chair, Lily didn't even lift her eyelids. "I was entertaining my guest. Do I need to report to you?"

If it weren't for Tasia's sake, I wouldn't tolerate this woman's rudeness! Who does she think she is? Maria thought.

"You..." Maria sputtered, a grim expression settling on her face. "You don't have to report to me, but you know who Tasia's father is! If you ruin her health, Alexander won't be able to save himself, let alone you!"

Anastasia, frightened, intervened. "Aunt Maria, please don't say it like that. Lily meant well..." The thought of her father discovering her dietary indiscretions filled her with dread. While he was fair, he might implement a stricter diet if he knew she'd disobeyed him. The prospect of daily tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce made her stomach churn.

"She meant well? You were born with a silver spoon in your mouth and know nothing of the outside world! Only your family truly cares about you. Let's go!" Maria offered her hand, but this time didn't pull Anastasia.

Hesitantly, Anastasia looked at her aunt's hand. She felt relaxed and carefree with Lily, reluctant to leave so soon. Yet, her aunt's determined expression worried her.

Tasia, you wouldn't want your father to know what you've been doing behind his back, would you? Maria's stern voice threatened.

Anastasia bolted upright. "Please don't! I'll go back with you."

Maria's expression softened. "That's more like it!"

Lily rose and approached. "Tasia..."

Maria instantly positioned herself between them, eyeing Lily warily. "What are you trying to do? You're not stopping her from going home, are you?"

Lily raised her hand; a maid promptly appeared with a shopping bag. She handed it to Anastasia. "Here are some gifts for you. They're not valuable, but you must accept them, okay?" Lily's insistence hinted at an expectation of refusal.

Anastasia, feeling it would be impolite to refuse, accepted. "Lily..."

Maria glanced at the bag, her expression disdainful. "I heard the Russell family is wealthy, yet she's so stingy!"