If Anastasia hadn't been poisoned, she would have been a much happier, beautiful, and confident young woman with many friends, instead of suffering from low self-esteem and remaining cooped up at home. For years, she endured immense physical and mental suffering, a fact well known to Cameron, who, though silent, was deeply pained by her plight. Maria, however, sought to claim credit for finding a miracle doctor—a preposterous claim.

"Anastasia..." Maria understood Cameron's unspoken disapproval, realizing he would uphold justice even within the family. She impulsively considered begging Anastasia, even going so far as to grasp her leg.

Anastasia withdrew, her gaze settling on the tearful Fabian and Maria before turning to Cameron. "Daddy..."

"I told you I'll handle this. Stay out of it!" Cameron raised a hand, silencing Anastasia. He knew her soft heart would yield to their pleas, and he was prepared to be the stern one.

"Dad. Mom. Stop begging him," Rhea said calmly, removing her hand from her cheek, her face devoid of panic or fear. Looking at Cameron, she stated, "Uncle Cameron, you're determined to put me behind bars, aren't you?"

"Anyone who commits a crime should be punished," Cameron replied.

"I agree," Rhea nodded. "I admit I poisoned Anastasia, but there's more I need to tell you."

"What is it?" Cameron frowned, his expression doubtful.

"Some things... about the institute," Rhea replied after a pause.

Cameron, astonished by this unexpected revelation, pressed, "What about the institute?"

"You suspect something, don't you? You're right. We're hiding something, and I know about it. Uncle Cameron, I'll reveal these secrets in exchange for your forgiveness. I hope to atone for my mistakes."

Her sudden change of demeanor stunned Cameron, Fabian, and Maria. Moments before, she'd refused to admit wrongdoing; now she offered a secret as a bargaining chip. Her earlier composure suggested a hidden advantage. Fabian and Maria, however, remained clueless about this secret, their shared confusion evident in their exchanged glances.

"Atone with that?" Cameron scoffed. "The secret must be quite momentous then!" He implied the secret's confidentiality must be extraordinary to compensate for the harm inflicted upon Anastasia.

"Uncle Cameron, you decide. It depends on its worth to you. I won't object to your decision!" Rhea insisted, raising her hand in a gesture of sincerity.

Cameron scrutinized her, assessing the truth in her words. Anastasia, at his side, was stunned. "Daddy..."