Chapter 1718

"Secretary Rollins, you've endured considerable physical suffering during your recent attacks. Now that your suffering is about to end, shouldn't I offer my congratulations?" Lily smiled, speaking casually. She appeared calm, her confidence unnerving. Cameron narrowed his eyes slightly.

"Who told you I've been suffering? I'm in excellent shape!"

Aside from some weight loss and a slightly worn appearance, there was nothing unusual about him, especially his eyes. Lily fixed her gaze upon them; his brow furrowed, his eyes revealing impatience and scrutiny. Yet, his gaze lacked the dullness one might expect if he were under the influence of drugs.

"Oh, really?" Smiling, Lily raised a hand to pat his shoulder.

Startled, Cameron sidestepped and slapped her hand away—a feint. Lily swiftly struck below his ribs with her other hand before withdrawing the one from his shoulder. The blow was sudden and unexpected, leaving Cameron stunned.

"You..."

Before he could reprimand her, his expression shifted as he clutched the spot where she'd hit him, doubling over. "Ugh..."

"Dad!" Anastasia rushed to his side, alarmed. "What's wrong?"

"You..." he looked up, his face pale. Large beads of sweat formed on his forehead, the pain evident. He couldn't even scold her.

"Lily, you..." Anastasia, anxious at her father's distress, looked at Lily.

"Don't panic," Alexander said calmly. "Ms. Rollins, your father is in pain. Perhaps you could help him inside?" He gestured toward the study. Anastasia, catching herself, helped Cameron inside. He was reluctant, but the pain was too intense to allow much resistance; he could only stagger into the room.

Once inside, Lily glanced around. The study wasn't large, but it was filled with books, clean, and tidy. Beyond the bookcase, chairs, and desk, there was nothing else of note.

"Lily..." Anastasia's distress was palpable; despite his recent treatment of her, she still saw him as her loving father. Lily remained silent.

Moving closer, she took Cameron's wrist, checking his pulse. He tried to resist, but the pain—or perhaps a change of heart—overwhelmed him, and he allowed her to proceed. Alexander, sensing a reason behind her actions, didn't interfere. He'd been in Cameron's study before, but never in such circumstances. Standing before the bookcase, he examined the titles—mostly military strategy and politics—finding nothing unusual.

After a time, Lily withdrew her hand. Just as Anastasia was about to speak, Lily placed her fingers on the side of Cameron's neck for a few seconds, then touched the back of his head. Anastasia, witnessing this, forbore her questions. She didn't understand what Lily was doing, but her faith in Lily was unwavering; she remained silent.