Chapter 1596

Although the study door was closed, Anastasia was unsatisfied. She hurried to the study, intending to eavesdrop. However, the door swung open just as she reached it. Rhea stood there, arms crossed, observing her calmly.

"Why won't you listen to your father?" Rhea asked, then turned to Cameron. "Uncle Cameron, what do you think we should do?"

"Get out!" Cameron roared, his face livid.

"Dad, is she threatening you? Why are you acting like this? I'm Tasia, your daughter!" Anastasia pleaded, her eyes desperate. She thought, Rhea must have hypnotized him! That's the only explanation! She desperately wanted to break through his altered state. Rhea, however, remained unconcerned, turning and smiling faintly. "I'm not in a rush."

This seemed to trigger something in Cameron. He seized Anastasia's hand and forcefully dragged her to the guest room, throwing her to the ground. "Ouch!" she cried. The impact, coupled with her recent injury, caused excruciating pain. Tears streamed down her face. Not only did her body hurt, but her heart ached even more.

Before she could rise, Cameron left, slamming the door and locking it. She heard him instruct the servants, "No one is allowed to open the door for her without my order!"

"Yes, sir!" they responded.

Anastasia continued to shout, "Dad! Dad!" banging desperately on the door, but her pleas were unanswered. She felt utterly abandoned, her cries and frantic banging futile. She cried until she was spent. She had never felt such despair. As a child, her father had been busy, but she'd never doubted his love. While sometimes disappointed, she'd never been truly upset. Now, though, she was heartbroken by his transformation. He would never have treated her this way before; now, he had even locked her away. Regardless of the reason, Anastasia vowed never to forgive him.

After locking Anastasia in, Cameron swiftly returned to the study, closing the door. "It's done!" he announced.

Rhea nodded, satisfied. Smiling, she produced a small pill. "What a rare sight, Uncle Cameron! You should cherish this and continue being obedient."

"Continue being obedient!" Cameron repeated mechanically, his gaze fixed on the pill. He popped it into his mouth and swallowed it without water, his Adam's apple bobbing. His eyes widened briefly before his breathing calmed, his irritability subsiding. Rhea looked at him and asked, "Uncle Cameron, who are you?"