Chapter 1379

"If that's the case, it would be marvelous!" Maria exclaimed, her spirits lifted by her husband's confidence. She waved away the maid offering tea. "To hell with tea. I'll have wine." She poured herself a generous glass. "Times have changed. It's our turn to get filthy rich now. Things keep happening in our favor, don't they?"

"Why do you say that?" Fabian asked, turning to her.

She took a swig of wine, the burn momentarily causing her to cough. "I told you Tasia refused treatment, right? Today she saw the miracle doctor!"

"She did?" Rhea asked, appearing at the bottom of the stairs. She had showered and partially dried her hair.

Maria was surprised. "Rhea? When did you get back? Why didn't you tell me? Fabian, you should have told me she's back! Tell the maids to prepare some nice dishes. It's a good day for our family, and we must celebrate!"

Fabian, having received a nudge from his wife, grumbled, "I didn't see her when I got home, and I have no idea when she returned. Ree, what time did you get home? Why didn't you come downstairs to say hello?"

"Whether I was back or not wouldn't interfere with your drinking, would it?" Rhea replied flatly.

Fabian was speechless. "How could you say that?"

"It's all your fault! All you know is drinking. You weren't even aware your daughter had come home!" Maria, siding with her daughter, playfully smacked her husband twice before hurrying to Rhea. "Ree, what would you like to eat? I'll have them prepare it right away!"

"Oh, never mind, it would be a waste of time! You're hardly ever home. How about we eat out to celebrate?" Maria suggested, smiling and reaching for her daughter's arm. Rhea deftly avoided her touch.

"What's there to celebrate?"

Maria, remembering Rhea's aversion to being touched, retracted her hand. "You're home today. Isn't that worth celebrating? Your father's business is about to expand, and we're going to make a fortune!" She paused, noting Rhea's lack of reaction. "Besides, the miracle doctor I hired for Tasia is truly amazing! Today he determined her obesity was caused by poisoning, not DNA or hormonal imbalances. Don't you think he's something else?"

"Poisoning?" Fabian exclaimed, nearly choking. "What poison? Who got poisoned? Tasia?"

"That's right! Tasia has seen many physicians, and none could tell she was poisoned except the miracle doctor. All he did was take her pulse, and he knew immediately!" Maria gestured emphatically, clearly pleased with the news. A change flickered across Rhea's face.

"Did the miracle doctor say what kind of poison Anastasia is suffering from?" Rhea asked.

"No, he says it's too complex and needs further observation. He gave a prescription and asked Tasia to take medicine for ten days. She's still thinking about Lily Russell. She should realize that woman is just using her as a guinea pig!" Maria sighed, agreeing with Austin's assessment.