She walked up from the basement and away from the house before finally answering the call. Lily had turned off her phone's location services, but she remained worried someone might track her.

"Hello?" As soon as the call connected, she heard a cry.

It wasn't just a sob; it was a wail, a heart-piercing howl that startled her. The volume was overwhelming, forcing her to pull the phone from her ear. The caller continued to cry without speaking.

Only after a few seconds did coherent words emerge. "Lily, I... woo woo... I... woo woo..."

Lily rubbed her temples and tried to comfort Anastasia. "Okay, slow down. Don't worry. Let it all out before you speak."

A wave of helplessness washed over Lily. Anastasia was unlike herself. Something significant must have occurred to provoke such a reaction. Anastasia, with her usual temperament, would have suppressed her emotions, no matter how unhappy she was.

"I've cried enough!" Anastasia muttered, continuing to sob.

"It's okay. I'll wait. Or you can call me back later," Lily sighed helplessly.

"Don't... don't..." Anastasia feared Lily would hang up and quickly sniffed, clearing her throat several times to try and speak.

Lily waited patiently. Finally, Anastasia said, "Lily, my dad. He's changed."

"Huh?" Lily was confused. "What happened to your father?"

"Today, my uncle, aunt, and cousin came to my house. My dad brought up my poisoning, saying he'd seek justice for me and send my cousin to jail." She sobbed, struggling to articulate her words. Lily nodded, urging her on. "Then?"

"Then, he changed his mind!" The words unleashed another torrent of tears.

Lily exclaimed, "Don't cry yet!"

The unexpected volume of Lily's voice startled Anastasia into silence.

"What do you mean? What do you mean he changed his mind? Did your uncle and aunt persuade him?" Lily asked, confused.

Anastasia shook her head. "No, it wasn't them. It was my cousin! I don't know what's going on. Initially, my father was furious. No one could change his mind, not even me! Later, my cousin said she had a secret about the laboratory she wanted to tell my father in exchange for forgiveness."

Anastasia found it incredibly strange. Why was my father so easily persuaded? What secret was so valuable?

Since childhood, she had witnessed countless people turned away, even those bearing gifts. Those who tried to give her gifts secretly were thrown out by Cameron. His reputation preceded him; eventually, no one dared approach.

Yet, he seemed persuaded this time. This shocked Anastasia.