Chapter 1509

While complimenting Anastasia, Maria subtly took credit for her weight loss and improved health. She believed Cameron owed them a significant favor and they needed to resolve the matter with him. "If she had drunk it, she wouldn't look like this now," Rhea sneered, glancing coldly at Anastasia.

Anastasia shook off Maria's hand, stood, and faced Rhea. "What should I look like, then? How do you know what medications the miracle doctor prescribed? How do you know their effects? Rhea, are you a medical expert?"

Maria, flustered, explained, "Rhea was a medical student. Have you forgotten...?"

Anastasia interrupted, "Rhea learned about modern medicine, but I didn't know she was also knowledgeable about herbal remedies and this skilled at it."

"You're ignorant and haven't done well in your studies. What would you know?" Rhea retorted, her usual discourteous manner evident. Since childhood, Rhea had been distant and Anastasia knew she disliked her, though the reason remained a mystery. Even as a child, Anastasia hadn't been overweight; everyone considered her adorable. She'd wanted to befriend Rhea, but Rhea had always rebuffed her advances with eye-rolls or mockery. Eventually, Anastasia stopped trying.

"Ree, don't say that!" Maria reprimanded, silencing her.

Fabian, impatient, asked directly, "Tasia, when will your father come home? Does he come home often?"

"I'm not sure," Anastasia replied innocently. "You know my father's work is unpredictable when he's busy. He's usually not home when I go to bed and leaves before I wake up."

"Uncle Fabian, you know my dad's always been like that," she added.

Fabian, unlike in the past, lacked the patience to comfort her. "You don't know anything! It was fine when you were younger, but you've grown up. Don't you care about what's happening around you? Do you know your dad has a mistress? You're going to have a stepmother soon! You must be more aware of your surroundings! You're not a child anymore!"

Anastasia blinked. "Uncle Fabian, how do you know all that?"

Fabian was speechless until Maria intervened. "He heard it from someone else. They saw your dad with that woman. Do you know about this? Silly girl, why didn't you tell us?"

"I had no idea!" Anastasia shook her head. "Even if it's true, it's fine."

"It's fine?!" Fabian exclaimed, his eyes wide. "Do you know what you're saying? Don't you feel sorry for your late mother? Your dad is going to marry another woman! You'll have a stepmother. Aren't you anxious? Do you even know what a stepmother is?"

"Uncle Fabian, we're not sure the news is true. Even if it is, so what? My mom passed away years ago, and my dad has been single. If he finds someone who loves and cares for him, I'll be happy for him. And not all stepmothers are evil. I'm an adult now; even if she doesn't treat me well, it won't affect me."

Maria immediately grabbed her hand. "Oh, dear! Silly girl, how naive you are!"