Although Fabian agreed, he still felt things were odd. Unable to reason it away, he decided to let it go. They were almost at the Rollins' house; he would simply ask Cameron himself.

However, as they approached the house, a servant emerged. "Ms. Rollins isn't home today. Please return another day," she said.

"Where is she? Doesn't Tasia stay home every day? Why? Did she go to Lily Christian's house again?" Maria demanded angrily. She always went straight in; but after a recent dispute, she hadn't been over for two days, and now the servants were already barring entry. It was absurd.

"No. Ms. Rollins is out shopping," the servant replied.

"Shopping? That's impossible! Everyone knows she barely leaves the house. The number of times she's gone shopping could be counted on one hand. Is she still angry and refusing to see me? Let us in, I'll talk to her," Maria insisted, starting to open the door.

"No, no. Ms. Rollins is out shopping. No one is home," the servant quickly blocked the entrance. Cameron had ordered that no one be admitted without his permission.

"If Ms. Rollins isn't here, is Mr. Rollins in?" Rhea asked lightly. "Don't lie; I know he's home."

"Mr. Rollins is also out, Miss. He's accompanying Ms. Rollins while she shops," the servant replied helplessly.

"Accompanying Ms. Rollins?!" Maria exclaimed, her eyes wide. "Cameron is always so busy. How can he have time to go shopping with Anastasia?"

"Yes," the servant said, offering no further explanation. "Please come back another day."

The servant closed the door. Fabian turned to Rhea grimly, his anger directed at her. "Didn't you say he was home?! Bullshit!"

"Who knew he'd accompany that fat ass shopping?" Rhea replied casually, brushing her hair back. Although Anastasia had recently lost weight and seemed improved, Rhea still considered her overweight.

Shopping? If I were her, I'd be too busy hiding! she thought.

"What should we do now? Should we go home?" Maria asked her husband helplessly.

"We're staying!" Fabian barked.

Rhea agreed. "We're already here. Going home would be a waste of time. Since they're out shopping, they'll have to return eventually. Let's just wait."

Maria was reluctant, but seeing both father and daughter determined to stay, she sat back in the car. The wait gave her time to reflect; life had been cruel lately. She'd waited ages for the miracle doctor, and now she was forced to wait for Cameron and his daughter.

What evil did I do to deserve this?

Thinking of the miracle doctor, she realized it had been a while since she’d seen him. Poking her husband, she said, "I've just thought of someone who might be able to help."

"Who?" Fabian frowned, skeptical. He'd spent days racking his brain; Cameron was a loner, making it difficult to find someone who could influence him.