Chapter 1717

"But my father refuses to see anyone!" Anastasia said anxiously. "He doesn't even want to see me. That's why I was able to let you in without his knowledge." Lily nodded.

"Then all the more reason to meet him."

The young lady hesitated.

"Since you want your father to get well soon, how will I know what medication he's been given without seeing him?" Lily added.

Anastasia considered this and was persuaded.

"Come with me!" She opened the door to the empty corridor.

The house was eerily quiet.

They went downstairs and stopped outside the study. Anastasia turned, gestured for silence, and whispered, "My father usually stays inside for hours and doesn't allow anyone to disturb him. Sometimes, he doesn't even eat."

She was worried but felt she had no choice. Lily inclined her head slightly, about to speak, when a stern voice from inside the room demanded, "Who is it?"

Anastasia's shoulders trembled, but she said, "Dad, it's me!"

"Get lost!"

His blunt reply was immediate. Cameron would never have acted this way before. Though always serious and strict, he had doted on Anastasia and would never have been so vulgar.

Anastasia, seemingly accustomed to his outbursts, said stubbornly, "Dad, two of my friends want to see you. Can I open the door?"

"Tell them to get lost, too!" His reply remained brusque, even with guests present.

"Dad, they're your friends, too. They're here to help you!" Anastasia pleaded, hoping to reason with him. She tried the doorknob, but the door was locked from the inside.

"I don't need help. Go away!"

Though she couldn't see him, Lily heard his breathing ragged and erratic. She frowned slightly and stepped forward.

"Secretary Rollins, do you experience a headache and a sharp pain three inches below your ribs? Also, do you have occasional difficulty breathing?"

She received no answer, but he didn't tell them to leave either. Surprised, Anastasia turned to Lily.

"Lily, how did you..."

Before she could finish, the door opened. Cameron stood in the doorway, his face stiff, his gaze fierce. He stared at Anastasia, then at the two behind her, slowly scanning them before asking in a low voice, "What the hell do you want?"

"Dad, they're here to help you!" Anastasia said hurriedly.

Lily, placing a hand on her arm, stopped her. "I'm here to congratulate you, Secretary Rollins."

Baffled, Anastasia looked at her over her shoulder.