Chapter 1776

"Uncle Fabian, why aren't you going in? My father is resting inside," Anastasia said, gesturing inward. Her half-smile suggested she was concealing something.

"I'm already here," he replied. "If I back off now, I'll not only fail to resolve my doubts but also appear a coward." He gave her a searching look, gritted his teeth, and entered.

"Ron," he chuckled, "I heard you're sick, so I've come to check on—"

Before he could finish, Anastasia slammed the door shut. Fabian was startled.

"Ron?" he called, but Cameron, lying on the bed, remained motionless, unresponsive. His eyes didn't even flutter open. Fabian's gaze shifted to Anastasia, a sense of unease settling over him as he saw her blocking the exit. "Anastasia, your father…"

"I told you he was sick, but you didn't believe me," she said calmly. "Well, now you see. I wasn't lying, was I?" She had previously improvised excuses to deter him; now, with Fabian witnessing her father's state, her anxiety eased.

"What illness does your father have?" Fabian asked, suppressing his panic. He approached, craning his neck to look. Seeing Cameron still breathing, he sighed in relief. "He's not waking up, even with me this close. He's not just asleep."

"My father isn't sick," Anastasia said, leaning against the door. "He's poisoned. That's why I'm in a difficult situation, Uncle Fabian."

"Difficult situation? Why?" Fabian blinked, confused.

"Your father's poisoned? How? What kind of poison?"

"I wish I knew," she began, then hesitated, catching herself before mentioning her cousin's death.

"Too bad?" Fabian prompted.

Anastasia shook her head. "Uncle Fabian, you must help me!"

"Help you?" Fabian gulped, nervousness rising. "How?"

Anastasia stepped closer, whispering, "You've seen his condition. Many people have been trying to visit lately. I can't handle them anymore, so you must help me keep this a secret!"

Fabian was utterly puzzled. "Why? If your father is poisoned, take him to the hospital! Why is he still here? And how do you know he's poisoned and not just ill? Does this mean he's been like this for days?"