Rhea followed closely behind as Fabian and Maria rose, watching the pair depart with mixed feelings. They wondered what plan their daughter had devised, hoping her secret for Cameron would spare her imprisonment and that he would drop the matter. Their focus had shifted; projects and businesses were secondary to Rhea's safety.

Anastasia alone gazed toward the study with apprehension. Lily's earlier warning—that Rhea wasn't as innocent as she seemed—resonated. Lily had been right; Rhea's years-long poisoning of Anastasia, beginning in their teens, confirmed it. Rhea possessed a genius for medicine, but a wicked heart to match.

Anastasia recalled past arguments, fleeting thoughts of ignoring Rhea, even avoiding her. Never had she considered harming Rhea, yet years of obesity, anxiety, depression, hair loss, and exhaustion were the cruel result. Anastasia recognized Rhea's lack of remorse, her unapologetic attempt to barter a secret for Cameron's forgiveness.

"Would Daddy let her go? He wouldn't, right?" she whispered.

Meanwhile, Cameron and Rhea entered the study. Cameron switched on the lights, moving to the room's center before turning to Rhea. Rhea closed and locked the door, pressing her ear against it to listen before facing him.

"What is it?" Cameron asked, arms akimbo, his imposing stance suggesting he wouldn't be fooled.

Rhea took her time, surveying the simple study. A small, closed ventilation window was its only notable feature. Without the lights, the room would have been dark. The desk and bookshelves were unadorned, yet filled with books and documents, evidence of Cameron's home office. No entertainment or pantry was present.

"Uncle Cameron, you're thrifty," Rhea remarked lightly.

Cameron frowned. "Stop beating around the bush. Tell me the secret, or I'll—"

"I know," Rhea interrupted, lowering her gaze before approaching him. "But would you forgive me, Uncle Cameron? You always adored Anastasia. I remember when she fell, bleeding from her lip as children—"

"How do you know that?" Cameron frowned.

Rhea continued, "I saw you that night, comforting her. You were distressed, yet it was just a small lip wound. My own tooth fell out, and my father still went out drinking. Why the different treatment? Why are fathers so different?"

A smile played on Rhea's lips, unsettling to Cameron. He felt she was unhinged. Hand on hip, he stared at her.

"Cut the crap. None of that justifies poisoning Tasia! What secrets is the institute hiding? Are there any, or are you just playing games?"

She looked up, a chilling smirk spreading across her face. "Uncle Cameron, you want the institute's secrets? The secret they're hiding is…" She withdrew a hand from her pocket, waving it before his eyes.