Chapter 1510

"Do you know your dad will treat you differently once he has a stepmother? No matter how kind he was before, he'll give all his love and attention to her after they marry!" Maria continued earnestly. "And who knows what she truly wants? She might be interested only in your dad's wealth and influence. You could be very unhappy in the future if you're not careful!"

"Exactly!" Fabian agreed. "Don't you feel sorry for your late mother, considering all this?"

"My mother passed away over twenty years ago. I'm sure she wants my father to be happy, too. But…" Anastasia paused, looking at Fabian and Maria. "Uncle Fabian and Aunt Maria, I don't think you should interfere in my father's personal life. If you have objections, tell him directly, instead of coming to me."

The couple exchanged glances. Maria tugged Anastasia's arm. "Silly girl, your mother's gone. Do you think your father would listen to us? We're family, and we only want what's best for you!"

"Thanks, but I'm an adult now. I can take care of myself," Anastasia replied.

Rhea's patience had evaporated. She didn't care about Cameron's mistress or Anastasia's future stepmother. She only wanted her pen holder.

"Cut the crap, Anastasia. Where are my things?" Rhea demanded impatiently, a frown etched on her face.

"I've told you many times I didn't see your pen holder and didn't go into your room," Anastasia replied, turning to face Rhea.

Rhea stood, stretching. "Since you won't admit you took it, I'll search myself." She started toward the stairs.

"Stop! What are you doing? Are you going to search my entire house? Who do you think you are?" Anastasia's fury flared. It was rare for her to feel this angry, and her face flushed with the emotion.

Rhea ignored her and continued up the stairs.

"Stop!" Anastasia chased after her, grabbing her arm. "You have no right to search my house!"

"You took my things, so I do!" Rhea sneered, shaking Anastasia's hand off.

"Hey, Rhea…" Maria began, bewildered by her daughter's obsession with the pen holder. Seeing the two women arguing, she tried to intervene, but as she stepped forward, she saw them pushing and shoving each other on the stairs. Anastasia was grabbing at Rhea's arm, missing her grasp. When Rhea swung her arm, Anastasia, on one of the steps, fell backward, tumbling down the stairs.

"Ah! Ahbh!" Anastasia shrieked as she rolled.

Maria reached the bottom of the stairs just as Anastasia finished her uncontrolled descent.

"Tasia!" Maria gasped, her eyes wide.

Rhea, momentarily stunned, quickly recovered and continued up the stairs.

"What are you guys doing?!" A low roar echoed. Cameron had entered the house and witnessed the chaos.

Maria's heart pounded. Regaining her composure, she rushed to Anastasia's side. "Tasia, are you okay? Don't scare me like that!" Her voice trembled.

Fabian, equally shocked, finally found his voice. "C-Cameron…" He had intended to confront Cameron, but the words caught in his throat.