Anastasia sat on the sofa, asking, "I'm not disturbing you, am I?"

Alexander shook his head. They were simply waiting for news. It was unusual, however, that he hadn't received any helpful information from his local and foreign networks.

"What would you like to drink?" Alexander asked. "Fruit juice, cola, or—"

"Just plain water," Anastasia replied with a smile.

Surprised, Alexander nodded and summoned a maid to bring two glasses of purified water.

She seemed different than before. Once plump, proud yet insecure, her eating habits had been erratic—junk food one day, nothing the next. Alexander's impression was vague; he hadn't had much direct contact with her. He only occasionally heard Cameron express regret at not spending more time with his daughter.

However, Anastasia had become close to Lily. After Lily helped neutralize the toxin in Anastasia, she'd lost considerable weight. Now, she was confident and noticeably slimmer. Alexander imagined Lily would be proud of the transformation.

"Alex? Alex?" She called him twice before he snapped back to attention. "What were you thinking about?"

"I just feel you've changed a lot. Lily would be thrilled to see you," he said.

Anastasia's brow furrowed at the mention of Lily. "My dad told me what happened to Lily. I'm sure she'll be okay."

Alexander hadn't told Anastasia everything, but she seemed to know. Since Cameron had already informed her, Alexander decided to withhold nothing further.

He nodded, sighing. "I hope so too."

"Oh, I came to tell you some good news." Turning, Anastasia retrieved a photograph from her purse and offered it to Alexander. "Do you recognize him?"

He accepted it curiously. The photo depicted a foreign man with sharp features. His expression was gentle, a faint smile playing on his lips, yet his gaze held a hint of sadness. He appeared roughly Alexander's age and was carrying a child.

While the man seemed familiar at first glance, Alexander couldn't place him.

"I don't think so." Shaking his head, he looked at Anastasia. "Why?"

Anastasia prompted, "No? Look closer."

Alexander, puzzled, examined the photo again. He noticed a mark on the man's neck—partially concealed by his collar—that resembled a birthmark or scar.