Chapter 1720

"That silver needle..." Anastasia was overwhelmed, replaying the image of Lily removing the needle from her father's head.

"It's an acupuncture needle Rhea inserted into a pressure point," Lily explained, her voice thoughtful. "She used it, and a toxin, to control him. Ancient texts describe such methods; the needle pierced the point, leaving the victim like a puppet with no will of their own."

"But Father seems to retain his volition," Anastasia pointed out, "he's not completely controlled like a puppet."

"The ancient texts don't detail cases like his," Lily mused. "Perhaps the perpetrators enhanced the method with a drug."

"Can he regain his old self?" Anastasia asked earnestly, her concern palpable. It didn't matter if it was the needle or the drug; she would do anything to restore her father.

"It's hard to say," Lily replied gently, hesitant to offer false hope. The situation was complex; she didn't know the toxin's nature, let alone the potential side effects.

Anastasia's eyes lost their light. "Dad..." she whispered, gazing at her father's still form.

Lily softened, "I'll do everything I can. His life isn't in danger, for now. Don't worry too much."

"Okay," Anastasia murmured, biting her lip.

Alexander frowned. "With him like this, if anyone were to look for him..."

"Don't worry," Anastasia said, her composure surprisingly steady. "I'll tell everyone Father is ill and needs rest. His two most trusted men will handle everything else. We can buy ourselves a week."

She turned to Lily. "Is a week enough?"

Lily met her pleading gaze. "Yes. I'll help him regain consciousness within a week."

"Really?" Anastasia's face lit up; she trusted Lily implicitly. Lily had helped her overcome her own long-standing illness.

Lily sighed. "It's a shame Rhea is dead. Otherwise, it would be easier to learn what toxin Secretary Rollins has." With Rhea gone, Cameron was free, but they'd lost a crucial source of information.

Alexander opened his mouth as if to speak, then closed it with a resigned smile. It was dark when they left. Anastasia remained at Cameron's bedside.

In the car, Lily asked, "You wanted to say something back at the house?"