Chapter 1627

Rhea grew impatient. "Why do you care about him so much?" Her tone was unfriendly. Stumped, Maria paused. "I—I was just wondering."

She thought, I dealt with Austin several times. I traveled far and wide to beg him for help, only to discover he was a fake miracle doctor. What about my gifts and medical fees? If he's fake, I should get them back! But it's too late now; he's missing, maybe even dead. "I just think that if he were found, I could at least get a refund. The money was so badly spent!"

Worried about upsetting her daughter, she murmured, quickly adding, "Anyway, perhaps one of his victims discovered his deception and kidnapped him out of spite." Rhea, ignoring her, frowned and tugged at her sleeve. "Hmm, it's possible."

Maria, delighted by her daughter's patronizing remark, felt her speculation confirmed. "But you're right. Why should we care about him? A wonderful future awaits our family. Oh, Ree, what was the secret you told your uncle? Tell me!" Curiosity had gnawed at her for days. She was intrigued, despite knowing her daughter might be upset.

Maria and her husband had spent their lives currying favor with Cameron, receiving little in return. Yet, since Rhea left home, Cameron had obeyed her every command. If only we'd known, she thought, we could have asked her to do it and saved ourselves so much trouble.

"This secret..." Rhea drawled, noticing her mother's intense curiosity. Maria longed to press her ear to her daughter's lips. Instead, she heard Rhea emphasize each word: "This secret might cost your life. Do you still want to hear it, Mom?"

A sudden chill ran down Maria's spine. Flustered, she hastily shook her head. "No, no, no, I don't want to. How could you tell me such an important secret? I—I was just kidding!" Wiping sweat from her forehead, she looked pale. Rhea turned away, slightly irritated.

What can I say about my parents? Rhea thought. Sometimes I wonder if I was even born to them. With their low IQs, how could they produce someone as brilliant as me? Yet, there's no doubt they're my parents. It's hard to describe the feeling of being unable to break free from this unique blood relationship.

Suddenly, they heard heavy footsteps. Mother and daughter looked up to see Cameron and his men approaching.

"Ron!" Maria greeted him with a humbled smile.

Cameron didn't answer, didn't even look at her. His gaze fell directly on Rhea.