The husband and wife exchanged puzzled glances, wondering why Anastasia had abruptly changed the subject.

"Tasia, is there a misunderstanding? How could your mother not want to help your uncle if she were alive? He's her only brother," Maria asked urgently.

"No! You all say my mother was kind and righteous, discerning right from wrong. Vaccine development isn't trivial. Look at other countries. Time is short, and there's much to do. We must ensure everything goes smoothly. Even with Uncle's excellent company, insufficient funds will hinder research. If you insist, it will be difficult. It's fine if you accept hardship, but substandard results will bring national criticism," Anastasia declared solemnly. "If my mother were alive, she'd feel terrible for you. She wouldn't let you undertake this project."

"You..." Fabian almost exploded but took several deep breaths, forcing a grim smile. He waved a hand. "You're a child. You don't understand business."

He turned to Cameron. "Ron, please help me."

"How?" Cameron asked, his gaze cold.

Though serious with Fabian, his gaze towards his daughter was gentle. He softly patted her hand.

"Since the vaccine project is impossible, could you find another suitable project for me?" Fabian cajoled. "Anything, even small. At least I won't starve."

"You dare! Do you know..." Cameron began, but Rhea interrupted. "No. We can't abandon the vaccine project."

Both men stared, bewildered. Rhea, usually indifferent and unconcerned, had spoken up for something unrelated to her experiments for the first time.

"My father has long prepared for this. I know his hard work. Our institute will support him, and funding won't be a problem. If you give him this opportunity, we'll invest ourselves. We won't let you down!" Her explanation was well-organized, clearly thought through.

Even Maria was stunned. She hadn't expected this, especially after Rhea and Fabian's earlier conflict. Seeing Rhea defend her father brought her close to tears.

"Yes. Rhea's right. Ron, can you reconsider the bidding?" Fabian asked cautiously.

"A disgrace!" Cameron fumed. "Our country values this project! Do you think I can do as I please? What do you think of me, this project, and all these government officials?!"

"But..." Rhea started, but Cameron interrupted, turning to her. "Speaking of your institute, wasn't there an incident two days ago?"