Anastasia knew her aunt had always been kind to her, but she realized Maria's generosity stemmed from a desire to curry favor with Cameron. Rhea believed her mother favored Anastasia, but Maria only pretended to fuss over her during crises. In contrast, Maria would weep inconsolably if Rhea scraped her knee.
Anastasia, as a child, loved sweets, and despite her weight gain, Maria indulged her cravings. However, while Rhea adored potato chips, Maria restricted her intake, instructing the cooks to prepare healthier snacks.
Only later did Anastasia understand the pitfalls of unchecked indulgence. Now, Rhea had committed numerous wrongdoings, yet Maria still shielded her and kept her secrets, desperate for her daughter's forgiveness, despite Rhea's continued feelings of neglect.
"I'm sorry, Aunt Maria," Anastasia sighed, growing weary. "You can no longer protect Rhea. Her actions have been exposed. And Uncle Fabian…," she paused, continuing, "…was arrested because of Rhea's crime, which is far more serious than you realize. I'm here to tell you… you may lose this house." Anastasia glanced around, a mix of emotions swirling within her; she'd spent much of her childhood here. Fabian's company was nearing bankruptcy, and the bank would auction off the house.
"What are you talking about?" Maria cried, protectively throwing herself onto the sofa. "This is my house! You won't take it away!"
"I'm afraid Uncle Fabian's situation will lead to the house being auctioned," Anastasia explained. "But I will find a way to buy you and Uncle Fabian a new home if that happens. It won't be as large, but you'll still have a place to live. However, we must let the law deal with Uncle Fabian and Rhea."
"Cut the act," Maria retorted, dropping her pretense and withdrawing her hand. "You'll buy us a house? Should I thank you? Have you forgotten who's responsible for this?"
Maria leaped to her feet, pointing at Anastasia. "After all these years, you ungrateful wretch! You're just like your father, favoring outsiders over your own family. We should never have taken you in!"
Anastasia was stunned, feeling sadness more profoundly than anger.