Chapter 1598

"Happy? Happy that you manipulated my father through your vile machinations?" Anastasia retorted, her back turned, avoiding Rhea's smug expression.

"If that's the case, I'm surprised. I never expected the cousin I grew up with to be such a person," Rhea replied, seemingly unfazed by Anastasia's sarcasm. She grinned. "Well, such is the world! The strong prey on the weak. Don't you understand? Power is paramount."

"Really? Do you deserve power?" Anastasia sneered, her tears finally dried.

"Whether I deserve it is not for you to decide. Uncle Cameron, Tasia is under Lily Christian's influence; she's acting out. I think you should discipline her," Rhea said, turning to Cameron. Anastasia shuddered, her heart aching from her father's actions, yet eager to hear his response. Will he listen to Rhea? Will he punish me? she wondered.

"What should I do?" Cameron asked unexpectedly.

Rhea feigned thought, prompting Anastasia to turn. She wanted to witness her father's obedience firsthand. Rhea's delight at Anastasia's sadness and disappointment was palpable. This was precisely what she craved. She remembered Anastasia as a child—a beautiful, adored princess. Everyone favored Anastasia; Rhea was always second-best. Despite her own achievements, Anastasia's inherent goodness and grace eclipsed her. No matter how hard she tried, she could never match Anastasia.

Later, Rhea realized it wasn't Anastasia's beauty, intelligence, or abilities that garnered such attention; it was her father's power. His influence created an aura around Anastasia, endearing her to everyone, including Rhea's parents. This realization led Rhea to abandon her attempts to win favor. It was futile. Her parents, like so many others, were at Cameron's mercy, showered with kindness one moment and scolded mercilessly the next. She decided then to rely solely on herself.

One day, she vowed, people would seek her favor. The thought brought a smile to her lips.

"Uncle Cameron, I think you should confine Tasia for a few more days, to reflect. And feed her more; she's lost weight." She looked at Cameron with a spoiled child's demeanor. Anastasia felt a pang of grief. This privilege—Cameron's pampering, her getting her way—had always been hers alone.

"Dad…" Anastasia called out, trembling, disbelieving her father's compliance. Reality delivered a harsh blow.

"I think you're right!" he exclaimed, not even glancing at Anastasia.

Instantly, Anastasia lunged at Rhea, seizing her throat and shaking her violently. "What did you do to my father?! What did you give him?! Why is he like this?!" Rhea, seemingly unprepared, or perhaps unwilling to evade, began to suffocate under Anastasia's assault. But the pressure ceased as Cameron swiftly slashed the back of Anastasia's neck with a knife. "Presumptuous!"

"Dad!" Anastasia cried, collapsing.

"Rhea, are you alright?" Cameron asked.

Rhea touched her neck, shaking her head. After coughing, she instructed, "Lock her up! Prevent further outbursts! Confiscate her phone! No contact with Lily Christian!"

"Yes sir!" he responded instantly.

Rhea surveyed Anastasia, lying on the ground, rubbing her neck. The medicine she’d used on Cameron had proven remarkably effective, a pity she had so little. The results weren't fully guaranteed, but this time, it had worked.

"Daddy, I missed you so much!" a child's tender yet yearning voice echoed. Mike nearly wept, forcing a smile. "How have you been? Eaten? Is it cold? Sleeping well?" Seeing his son's face felt surreal. He longed to embrace him.

"I'm okay! It's not cold! Daddy, when will you be done with work? I haven't seen you in ages." Nick, usually reserved, showed his longing implicitly. He was too young to understand the circumstances, only that his father had entrusted him to others temporarily. Mike was immensely relieved to see his son safe and unharmed.