Chapter 1436

Anastasia wasn't expecting visitors. She was surprised, therefore, to find a car parked at her door upon arriving home. A woman leaned against the vehicle; slender, with a casually elegant posture—a silhouette Anastasia both admired and envied. The car was parked diagonally, blocking her entry, as if the woman awaited her.

Anastasia lowered her window. "Rhea?"

Rhea straightened, her legs appearing even more slender. Casually stuffing her hands in her pockets, she chuckled. "You're home."

"Mhm. Are you looking for me?" Anastasia asked, her eyebrows raised, though she suspected why her cousin was there.

"Yeah," Rhea replied, a half-smile on her face, yet a hint of scrutiny in her eyes. Anastasia felt a little uneasy. Still, it was her cousin, one of her few relatives. Rhea's visits were rare, so Anastasia politely offered, "Let me get someone to open the door, and we'll park inside."

"Okay." Rhea moved her car.

When Cameron and Anastasia were absent, the housekeepers wouldn't admit anyone. Maria was an exception; her frequent visits and concern for Anastasia had accustomed the staff to her presence. Rhea, however, was a different story; her infrequent visits meant the housekeepers didn't recognize her. She waited outside the gate.

As dusk settled, the house lights cast a warm glow. "Did you change the lights?" Rhea asked, noting the change from their previous white hue.

"Yeah, recently. The house felt…dead. This is more welcoming, don't you think?" Anastasia replied. "What would you like to drink? Juice? Milk? Or water?"

Rhea simply stared. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing. Do you have anything else?" Rhea looked around as if seeing the house for the first time.

"No. I've been drinking plenty of water lately. If you'd prefer something else, I can have someone get it," Anastasia offered, gesturing towards where a maid might be. Rhea waved her off. "No, it's fine. Just water."

"Okay!" Anastasia turned to pour two glasses. This small task, she considered, was a form of exercise; Lily had recommended movement for her health, and Anastasia was diligently following the advice.

Rhea's eyes narrowed as she watched Anastasia's back. Though infrequent, Rhea knew about Anastasia's health from her mother's accounts. Anastasia, she observed, had slimmed down. While still curvy compared to Rhea's own physique, Anastasia looked much better; even her complexion had improved, her lips a light pink.

"Did you take the medication the miracle doctor prescribed?" Rhea asked abruptly.

Anastasia, startled, froze momentarily before regaining her composure. "Yes, I did."