Maria was startled to learn the police would be involved. Though she didn't believe Rhea capable of such a thing, Cameron's seriousness and firm rebuke of Rhea fostered skepticism.

"Cameron, we're family. Why are you making such a big deal...?" Maria began softly.

"We are family, so why is your daughter so evil? Tasia was only twelve, and Rhea was around her age! How could a teenager have such a vicious heart? You all know how much Tasia has suffered!" Cameron's fury was evident. He longed to imprison Rhea, to make her experience Anastasia's pain.

However, Anastasia intervened. "Uncle Fabian and Aunt Maria couldn't bear Rhea's imprisonment. They cared for me when you weren't home, and Uncle Fabian is Mom's only brother; Rhea, her only niece. Let's settle this internally. The toxins are almost gone, and we can simply sever ties."

Cameron reluctantly acquiesced, though Rhea's lack of remorse stunned him. He almost broke his promise to Anastasia and taught Rhea a lesson. "Yeah, Rhea was only a teenager…" he muttered.

"Rhea is brilliant, with numerous international academic awards," Anastasia countered. "She's an expert in modern medicine and medicinal herbs, a passion since childhood. You both know this, Uncle Fabian and Aunt Maria. She's always been gifted."

Anastasia's words held a deeper meaning: Rhea knew medicinal herbs and their effects.

Maria was shocked, turning to Rhea.

"Just because I know about them, it has to be me? You said medicinal herbs poisoned you—why were you the only one affected?" Rhea calmly argued. Cameron, until now composed, rose to his feet. "You still won't admit it! Do you think we lack evidence? Fine! Let's go to court. Then you'll see what we have. You won't escape!"

He pulled out his phone. "This is Cameron. I'm filing a case!"

Before he could continue, Maria lunged forward, kneeling and clutching his leg. "Cameron, don't report this! Rhea can't be sued! There must be a misunderstanding! We need to find the truth! If Fabian's sister were alive, she wouldn't want this…"

"Her daughter suffered for years; do you think that's what she wants?" Cameron looked down at Maria, his gaze cold and unsympathetic. He continued into the phone, "My daughter was poisoned for years, and I'm seeing this through!"

Fabian sat silently, his mind a blank, unsure whom to trust. He turned to Rhea. "Rhea, did you do it?"