Chapter 1425

"Ree, what are you talking about? I told you I was only trying to please Tasia. If it weren't for your uncle, our family—"

"If it weren't for Cameron Rollins, we'd still be living in poverty?" Rhea interrupted impatiently, picking at her ear. "I've heard this enough. If you want to curry his favor, that's your business. I, Rhea Moore, don't need him!"

"Ree, you shouldn't say that," Maria began, but seeing Rhea's expression, she sighed. "Okay, I'll stop. But you're grown now; you should understand why I did it. Stop acting like a child." She spoke soothingly, attempting to mend the rift.

Rhea remained silent, her face drawn. She sat at the desk, gently touching the pen holder. Maria felt gloomy and helpless, unsure how to connect with her daughter.

"Ree, you must be starving. Please eat. I'll have the maids prepare you a fresh breakfast if you don't like this one. You'll feel better after eating and getting some sleep," Maria persuaded.

Rhea stared at the pen holder. "Is there anything else?" She clearly wanted her mother to leave.

Maria's lips pursed. "No, nothing. I'll leave you alone then." She rose, pausing, and looked hopefully at Rhea, wishing for her daughter to ask her to stay. Rhea didn't look up, her gaze fixed on the pen holder.

Saddened, Maria lowered her gaze and turned to leave. As she reached the door, she heard, "Wait!"

"I'm still here!" Maria turned, hopeful. "I know Ree still loves me." Rhea merely looked up, her expression devoid of emotion. "How's Anastasia's illness?"

Maria, momentarily disappointed, composed herself. "She's in better spirits. She used to sleep constantly, but now she goes out. I haven't visited much lately; she doesn't let me go often."

"The miracle doctor's prescription seems to work, doesn't it? They don't call him that for nothing!"

Maria felt a surge of satisfaction. Austin was exceptional. "Those incompetent doctors failed to diagnose Tasia's poisoning, wasting years. I should have sought Austin's help sooner. But I'm not too late. Ron is indebted to us, and he'll give us the project." She smiled, inwardly pleased. "This prolonged illness has made my efforts even more meaningful. Cameron will be forever indebted to us!"

"That miracle doctor? What can he accomplish?" Rhea scoffed.