"Cough, cough, cough..."

The light cough was a stark contrast to the violent ones that preceded it. It sounded almost ordinary. Still, it was enough to make Fabian turn toward the sound.

"Dad?" Anastasia also turned her head towards her father's voice.

She was pleasantly surprised to see him slowly opening his eyes. Though his brows remained slightly furrowed, and he continued to cough, he was conscious.

"Dad?!" she called again, uncertainty coloring her voice. While relieved he was awake, she feared he might still be under Rhea's influence, indifferent to her and obedient to her uncle. Anastasia felt a mixture of joy and nervousness, cautious excitement.

Cameron exhaled and softly responded, "Yes."

That single word was life-giving for Anastasia.

"Daddy!" she cried, pouncing on him and hugging his neck as she had done as a child. She laughed and cried simultaneously. "Dad, you're awake! You're finally awake! That's great!"

Cameron coughed several more times after being embraced, his breathing becoming labored.

"Tasia, don't get too excited. You're choking your father," Alexander said from the sidelines.

Though he hadn't spoken much, he'd observed Cameron's changing face. It had almost turned purple from the violent coughing, but now the color was gradually returning. His pallor lessened, his breathing calmed, and his eyes appeared more alert. Alexander knew Cameron's awakening was imminent, but he hadn't anticipated it happening just as Fabian was about to act rashly.

Anastasia, heeding Alexander's warning, calmed herself. She quickly released her father, saying, "Dad, I'm sorry. I'm just so happy! How are you feeling? Do you feel uncomfortable anywhere?"

Cameron coughed a few more times before looking at her. "Silly girl, why are you crying?"

"N-No, I'm not!" She wiped her tears and laughed. "Dad, I'm so glad you're awake! I'm so glad you recognize me!"

"What are you saying? How can I not recognize you?" Cameron smiled, raising a hand as if to wipe her tears, but his weakness prevented it. His hand feebly dropped to his side.

Before it reached his side, Anastasia grabbed it and pressed it to her cheek. "Dad, I'm so glad you're awake!"

"That's right, Ron! We're glad you're awake. Do you feel any discomfort? I think we should still go to the hospital. Professional care will certainly help you recover. The doctors could have treated you long ago if you'd been admitted sooner. There's no need for further delay," Fabian said smoothly. "Ron, look, I've brought men to take you to the hospital. Shall we go now?"

Cameron raised his eyes and looked at him.