"Aunt Maria, as I said, my father has returned safely," Anastasia said meaningfully.

Maria was speechless. She knew she could no longer feign ignorance. Deciding on a course of action, she took Anastasia's hand. "Tasia, I know Rhea tried to harm you and your father, but she's your cousin. She wasn't thinking clearly and was sorry for what she did. She didn't mean to hurt you two," Maria said, tears welling in her eyes. "Please forgive her. Besides, Alexander Russell took her away, and I don't know if she's even alive. I wanted your help to save her, but then Fabian was arrested."

Anastasia had never seen her aunt so distraught. Maria, always the picture of a wealthy, composed woman, now had disheveled hair, red and swollen eyes, and a shaky voice.

"Aunt Maria..." Anastasia sighed gently. "Rhea didn't seem to care that I was her cousin when she poisoned me, did she?"

Maria faltered, her face flushing. "Well, Rhea was young and misled by others. She was a victim, too! Besides, I'm sure she still considers you her cousin. Otherwise, you would have died long ago, wouldn't you?"

Anastasia stared at her aunt, a stranger in her eyes.

Maria, noticing her niece's reaction, said, "I didn't mean to offend you. Think about how I've treated you since you were a child. Haven't I been good to you?"

Anastasia was silent for a moment before murmuring, "You have been good to me."

Indeed, whatever Maria's motivations, she had been kind to Anastasia, attending to every detail of her life, from food to clothing.

"Exactly!" Maria smiled, relieved. "Rhea was only jealous because I've been so good to you. Although she harmed you, you're better now, aren't you? I spent a great deal of money and effort getting the best doctors to treat you, remember? Look at you now—you're pretty and slim, and people treat you well because of your father. So, what about Rhea?" Maria's voice trembled. "I don't even know where she is now."

Anastasia remained speechless.