Alexander was unsurprised by Anastasia's disappointed expression; Lily had promised to come. He knew the young woman was struggling under the pressure.

"Isn't Lily coming? Didn't she promise she would be here this morning? It's almost noon..." Anastasia glanced at the wall clock. "She hasn't answered my calls. Did something happen?"

'Lily is trustworthy. She wouldn't break her promise, especially since she discovered my father's poisoning and helped restore my health. Even if she couldn't cure him, I wouldn't blame her. But since she promised...'

Alexander said casually, "Something came up. But don't worry; she's developed a cure for your father and asked me to bring it."

"What happened? Is it serious? Where is she? Is she in danger?" Anastasia asked anxiously.

Her earlier doubts vanished. She even berated herself for distrusting Lily.

'She's trying her best, and I doubted her because she's late.'

"She's fine, but she has an urgent matter to handle," Alexander replied, concealing the truth.

The secret organization had taken Lily early that morning; she couldn't have come even if she'd wanted to. Fortunately, she'd developed a cure, though Alexander wasn't certain of its efficacy. His wife's word, however, was absolute.

"That's good," Anastasia sighed in relief, relieved Lily wasn't in danger. "I'm sorry to have burdened Lily with my family's problems."

"Lily did it willingly. She'd never do anything unwillingly, even if coerced or begged." His words, while seemingly consoling, were true; he knew his wife well. Anastasia managed a smile, feeling her emotional burden lessen. "Then, shall we see my father now?"

Alexander nodded, and they went upstairs. "How was your father yesterday?" he asked.

"He's the same; he hasn't woken up," Anastasia said helplessly. "If Lily hadn't been so certain about the poisoning, I would have thought he just needed rest."

She looked at Alexander, then around the room, and whispered, "It's strange that he hasn't eaten in days. I've given him water, but I doubt it's enough. He's lost weight, but otherwise..."

"But he shows no other outward changes?" Alexander finished her sentence.

Anastasia nodded slowly, surprised. The situation troubled her, but she didn't know whom to turn to.