Ch. 2161..2170

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 2161-Maria stiffened when she saw Anastasia, snapping, “What the hell are you doing here?!”

“Aunt Maria,” Anastasia greeted and entered to look at the mess. After hearing about what had happened, she knew the house would be a mess. Still, it was worse than she had imagined.

“Are you here to laugh in my face?” Maria asked asked after scoffing.

“Why would I do that, Aunt Maria?” Anastasia blandly sighed, “I’m here to see how you’re doing. Don’t worry. Uncle Fabian isn’t involved in the more severe crimes. My father will see what he can do to help.”

Her words made Maria realize something that made her attitude change. “Your father came back?” She realized she had misspoken and rephrased herself, “No, I mean, is your dad at home now?”

“He’s not home now, but he has safely returned. Don’t worry,” Anastasia said meaningfully.

Maria’s gaze wavered. “Of course, I’m not worried. Your father is a capable man, isn’t he? I’m more worried about your uncle. His parents passed away when he was a kid, and his sister, your mother, raised him.

“I thought your father would care for Fabian, but he…” Maria wiped her tears, playing the victim, “Forget it. Let’s not discuss the past anymore. I’m worried about your uncle now. I tried visiting him, but the police refused, claiming the case was still under investigation.

“I don’t know what they’re talking about because Fabian hasn’t committed any crimes!” Maria exclaimed.

“The court will decide if Uncle Fabian has committed any crimes. Still, you should know why he got arrested, right?” Anastasia spoke kindly, then led Maria to the sofa to sit down.

The latter was somewhat reluctant, but after seeing Anastasia’s gaze, Maria sat beside her. However, she still looked upset. “What do you mean by that, Tasia? Are you saying I told him to do something illegal?

“The vaccine development center is a national project that’s good for the people. What crime has Fabian committed, and why couldn’t your father do something about it? After all, Fabian is your mom’s brother, right?”

Maria would always mention Anastasia’s mother at times like these. She would also repeatedly stress that Fabian was the woman’s only brother.

Anastasia nodded. “I know you wouldn’t do anything illegal, Aunt Maria. If you did, someone must’ve forced you.”

“Yes, that’s right!” Nodding, Maria caught herself. She widened her eyes and exclaimed, “No! What the hell do you mean by that? I’ve never done anything illegal!”

“There is no one else here, Aunt Maria.” Anastasia glanced around. She had her men guarding outside, and the servants there had left long ago.

“You know what Rhea has done, don’t you?” she whispered.

Maria’s eye twitched as a look of guilt flashed across her face. She averted her gaze and said, “Rhea… has been dead for a long time. Why’d you bring her up?”

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 2162 -“Aunt Maria, as I said, my father has returned safely,” Anastasia said meaningfully.

Maria was at a loss for words. She knew she could no longer play dumb.

She seemed to have decided something and turned to hold Anastasia’s hand, saying, “Tasia, I know Rhea tried to harm you and your father, but she’s your cousin. She wasn’t thinking straight and was sorry for what she did.

“She didn’t mean to hurt you two, Tasia,” Maria spoke in tears, “Please forgive her. Besides, Alexander Russell has taken her away, and I don’t know if she’s still alive. I wanted your help to save her, but then Fabian got arrested.”

Anastasia had never seen her aunt crying so hard before.

Maria had always smiled and presented herself as a wealthy lady. However, her hair became disheveled, her eyes were red and swollen, and even her voice was shaky.

“Aunt Maria…” Anastasia gently called out after sighing. “Rhea didn’t care that I was her cousin when she poisoned me, did she?”

Maria was stumped. Her face flushed as she struggled with what to say. “W-Well, Rhea was young and was led astray by bad people. She was a victim, too! Besides, I’m sure she still treats you as her cousin. Otherwise, you would’ve died long ago, right?”

Anastasia was stunned as she looked at her aunt as if she were a stranger.

Maria noticed her niece’s reaction and said, “I didn’t mean anything bad by it, okay? Ask yourself how I’ve treated you since you were a kid. Haven’t I been good to you?”

Anastasia was quiet momentarily before murmuring, “You have been good to me.”

Indeed, whatever Maria’s motivations were, she had been good to Anastasia. She had cared for every aspect of Anastasia’s life, from food to clothing.

“Exactly!” Relieved, Maria smiled and added, “Rhea was only jealous because I’ve been so good to you. Although she harmed you, you’re better now, right? I spent a lot of money and energy getting the best doctors to treat you, remember?

“Look at you now. You now look pretty and slim—people treat you well because of your father. So, what about Rhea?” Maria felt like crying again. “I don’t even know where she is now.”

Anastasia was speechless.

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 2163-Anastasia knew her aunt had always been good to her. However, Anastasia realized it was no longer the case as Maria only treated her well to curry favors with Cameron.

Rhea thought her mother treated Anastasia better, but Maria would only pretend to make a fuss over Anastasia whenever something terrible happened. Meanwhile, Maria would weep through the night if Rhea were to scrape her knee.

Anastasia liked eating sweets when she was little. Despite her tendency to gain weight, Maria still bought them whenever she craved them. Simultaneously, although Rhea loved potato chips, Maria stopped her from eating them and instructed the cooks to make healthier snacks for her.

Only after growing up did Anastasia realize indulgence without moderation was not good. Just like now, Rhea had done so many wrong things, yet Maria still tried to defend her and keep her secrets.

Of course, Maria also wanted to make it up to her daughter, who, unfortunately, still felt neglected and unloved. As a result, Maria was desperate to undo her mistakes. She was willing to do anything for her daughter’s forgiveness.

“I’m sorry, Aunt Maria,” Anastasia grew tired and sighed, “You can no longer cover for Rhea’s actions. Besides, people have found out about what she did. As for Uncle Fabian…”

After a pause, she continued, “He only got arrested because of what Rhea did. The crime she committed is much more severe than you can imagine. I’m only here to tell you that… you might lose this place.”

Anastasia glanced around with an indescribable feeling. After all, she had spent much of her childhood here. Still, they could do nothing because Fabian’s company would soon go bankrupt, and the bank would have to auction off the house.

“What are you talking about?” Maria threw herself over the sofa protectively. “This is my house! You won’t take it away from us, got it?”

“I’m afraid you’ll lose the house due to Uncle Fabian’s case. The bank will auction it off,” Anastasia continued, “I’m just here to tell you that I’ll find a way to buy you and Uncle Fabian a new one if it does happen.

“It won’t be as big as this one, but at least you’ll have a home. However, we must leave Uncle Fabian and Rhea to the law.”

‘No amount of crying or begging can save them now.’

“Cut your act, okay?” Maria dropped her pretense and pulled her hand away from Anastasia’s. “You’ll buy us a house? Should I thank you for it? Have you forgotten who’s responsible for what’s happening to us?”

Maria bolted to her feet and pointed at Anastasia, scolding, “To think I raised you for so many years, you ungrateful piece of shit! You’re just like your father, treating outsiders better than your own. We shouldn’t have cared for you in the first place!”

Anastasia was stunned. In reality, she felt more sad than angry.

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 2164 -After all, Anastasia treated her aunt and uncle as family. She never blamed them when Rhea poisoned her because they did not know about it. Moreover, Maria had spent much time searching for a cure for Anastasia over the years.

Of course, Maria had an ulterior motive, but Anastasia knew it was part of human nature to be selfish. Although flawed, Maria and Fabian were still her family.

However, Maria’s words had shattered Anastasia’s sentiments. Instead of admitting Rhea had done many horrible things, Maria blamed everything on Cameron and Anastasia.

Anastasia was disappointed and had nothing more to say to her aunt. She got up and looked at Maria, saying, “I said what I needed to say. Take good care of yourself.”

She motioned to leave, but Maria was stunned. The latter did not expect her niece to walk away without showing remorse or unease.

“You can’t go!” Maria hurried over and grabbed Anastasia’s arm, “Tasia, only you can save them now. What about your uncle? He hasn’t broken any laws, right?”

Anastasia countered, “He’s in charge of the research center, and people were conducting illegal experiments there. How could you say he hasn’t broken any laws?”

Even so, Anastasia had only heard about it from her father and did not know the details. Still, it was evident that Fabian was partly responsible for what happened.

“What illegal experiments are you talking about? You’re not trying to frame your uncle, are you?” As Rhea never discussed her work and forbade her mother from asking questions, Maria knew little about it.

After Rhea’s fake death and subsequent return, Maria feared losing her daughter again and did everything Rhea asked. Now that Maria had heard Anastasia’s words, she thought her niece was spouting nonsense.

“Do you honestly think I have much influence?” Anastasia revealed a bitter smile. She knew her aunt would view whatever she said or did with suspicion.

She gently pulled her arm off Maria’s grasp and said, “You know what you guys did. You and Rhea can choose to deny it, but we all know what happened.”

After a pause, she added, “As for you helping Rhea hold my father captive, he says he’ll let it slide. But that’s all he can do.”

Maria paled when she heard that last part. She no longer dared to stop Anastasia from leaving and stared at the departing figure.

Spoiled by mr. russell chapter 2165 -Since Anastasia did not come alone, she could leave even if Maria refused to let her go. Nonetheless, Anastasia did not want things to end so poorly for her aunt.

When Anastasia returned to the car, she turned back to look at the house. All her childhood memories flooded her mind as she recalled her time here.

“Would you like to stay a little longer?” Cameron asked, sitting beside her.

“No.” Anastasia shook her head, knowing she should not dwell on the past.

“Let’s go,” Cameron instructed the driver.

As the car moved away, Anastasia looked at the receding house and buried her head into her father’s shoulder, sobbing, “Why? Why did things have to turn out this way?”

Cameron caressed her head and sighed. He could feel her pain. He only showed Fabian and Maria mercy for his daughter’s sake. If not, Maria would have ended up in a cold, damp holding cell like Fabian.

“It’s just human nature,” he murmured.

“I don’t believe it.” Anastasia looked up with teary eyes. “Uncle Fabian and Aunt Maria cared for me since I was a kid. Was it all an act?”

Cameron looked at her profoundly and brushed her stray hairs aside. “They might’ve genuinely cared for you then, but people lose themselves sometimes.

“Fabian and Maria were nice to you partly to make me happy, but I’m sure they still treated you as family. They’ve been blinded by greed.” He sighed, feeling sad as well.

‘Indeed, human nature is unpredictable.’

“What about Rhea?” Frowning, Anastasia looked somewhat puzzled. “Do you think she treats me as her family?”

“Well…” Cameron hesitated. He couldn’t bear to lie to her. As far as he could remember, Rhea had always been reserved and gloomy as a child.

Since Cameron was always busy at work, he sometimes visited his daughter at Fabian’s house, bringing gifts for Rhea. However, whether the gifts were dolls, clothes, or other toys and accessories, she had never played with or worn them.

Cameron did not think much of it since he hardly visited them. After everything that happened, he realized Rhea must have hated him and Anastasia. He thought it was a pity that no one knew it then.

Cameron blamed himself for not realizing it sooner whenever he thought about it. He knew he could have saved his daughter from all the suffering.

He wrapped his arm around Anastasia and pressed her shoulders gently. “Don’t overthink it, okay? It’s not your fault she committed those crimes.”

“Alex took her away since she might have some valuable information. Perhaps she can use this opportunity to redeem herself.” Cameron knew what Alexander and the others were doing and did not object.

After all, Rhea had worked for the organization for a long time. Simultaneously, Cameron hoped she would mend her ways and make up for what she did. However, he knew the odds were low.

“I never thought so many horrible things would happen around me.” Gazing ahead, Anastasia said sadly, “If I hadn’t gotten infected, I wouldn’t have realized how scary the virus is.”

Her words reminded Cameron of what she had been through. “Are you sure you’re feeling okay now? Sit up and let me look at you.”

Anastasia spread her arms, saying, “I’m okay, see? They wouldn’t have discharged me if I was still sick. Besides, they gave me a thorough examination at the hospital. Not only am I cured—I also feel better than before!”

Seeing her spirited look, Cameron felt relieved. He said with concern, “I’m so happy you’re okay. For now, try not to go out so much, okay?”

Anastasia blinked. “Why? Did something happen?”

“Stop asking so much and just listen to Dad, okay? It’s for your good.” Cameron smiled to lighten the mood, but it felt forced.

Anastasia fell silent, then nodded. “Okay, Dad. I’ll do as you say.”

In the past, she could never understand why her father was always so busy and secretive. She also did not like him coming and going on short notice. She envied Rhea because her father was often home like all good dads.

As Anastasia got older, she knew her father had tried his best to keep her company. Furthermore, he could not reveal much to her due to the nature of his job. Therefore, she obeyed when Cameron told her not to ask him so many questions.

Cameron looked at his daughter and felt she had become a mature and sensible young lady. He was delighted.

His phone rang, and he glanced down at it before checking his watch. Suddenly, his expression turned severe.

“Dad, are you leaving again?” Anastasia understood her father’s expression and let go of his arm. “Now?”

Surprised, Cameron glanced at his arm and then back at her. He smiled and nodded. “Yes, I have to go. I’m so sorry, Tasia.”]]>

Cameron looked at her proudly when he noticed how sensible she had become. He said, “It’s okay. Let’s send you home first.”

When they arrived, Cameron waited until his daughter entered the house and closed the door. However, as he was about to leave, Anastasia thought of something and turned back to run over, saying, “Dad!”

Cameron saw her hesitating and asked warmly, “What is it?”

“I haven’t heard from Lily for a long time. I know Alex said she had something important to do, but I can’t shake the feeling she might be in danger. Can you give them a hand, Dad?” Although Anastasia seldom asked anything from her dad, she was worried this time.

Cameron looked at her profoundly and nodded. “Don’t worry. I’ll think of ways to help them. Don’t forget, they’re no ordinary people. I’m sure they’ll be fine.”

Anastasia felt relieved and happily went into the house.

Cameron gazed after her and became thoughtful. He knew what happened to Lily but did not know the details. Furthermore, due to Cameron’s position, he could not be seen as being too close to Alexander. Therefore, Cameron could not address many matters personally.

However, he knew it was time to clarify the matter face-to-face.

The car restarted and soon reached Alexander’s home.

Alexander was already waiting for him. He went to the inner yard when Cameron exited the car and led him inside.

Cameron asked as they walked, “Has Rhea caused any trouble?”

“Not really, but she infected herself with a virus,” Alexander mentioned the main point.

Cameron stopped and looked over his shoulder at Alexander. “What?”

‘She experimented on herself so the organization would treat her seriously.’

“That’s insane!” Cameron did not know what else to say.

‘I give up on Rhea. She not only experimented on me and my daughter—she also used her parents without mercy. Fabian and Maria must’ve done a horrible job raising her.’

“Secretary Rollins,” Austin greeted Cameron respectfully. Since Alexander had told him who was coming, he assumed a proper manner.

Cameron looked him up and down. “You’re here too?”

Austin was puzzled.]]>

Cameron noticed his puzzled expression and said, “Dr. Blanc told me you’re a rare talent. “Dr. Blanc said you’re a rare talent. Keep up the good work, and don’t let him down.”

Austin was surprised Dr. Blanc would speak so highly about him to others, especially to someone like Cameron. Austin saluted solemnly, exclaiming, “Yes, sir!”

Alexander’s lips twitched. “This way, Cameron.”

Alexander let Cameron’s aide serve the tea when they sat in the spacious home office. After all, Cameron seldom drank or ate anything outside for safety reasons.

That was why Alexander suspected something was off when Cameron got kidnapped back then. He wondered how Rhea drugged and took Cameron away even though he had been so cautious and carefully guarded.

As it turned out, his suspicion was correct—it was part of Cameron’s plan, which was grander than Alexander had imagined.

“So, is the mastermind behind the organization an individual, a group, or a government?” Cameron cut to the chase as he sat down. His time was precious, and he did not want to waste it on chitchatting.

“Based on our investigation so far, we think it’s the Queen of Yudonia.”

Cameron was not surprised. Instead, he looked grim.

‘If it is the queen, things will get tricky.’

Alexander rubbed his eyebrows and pondered in silence before continuing, “From our observation and the clues I’ve gathered, I think the queen is just a puppet while the real mastermind is the duke.”

“You mean Fred?” It did not take long for Cameron to consider him.

Alexander enjoyed talking to intelligent people like Cameron. The former nodded and said, “We visited the embassy twice and met him there. He was always smiling but seemed to be the decision-maker there.

“Also, the queen trusts Fred a great deal back in Yudonia. He has served her for many years, and the queen’s reliance on him has increased for the past five years, especially since her health has deteriorated.”

Alexander noticed Cameron remaining quiet and added, “Fred is the only one who has relayed most of the queen’s decisions in recent years.

“Rumors have long claimed the queen has become Fred’s puppet. The person responsible for starting and operating the lab received his orders from Fred.”

“So the queen has been under his control?” Cameron raised his brow thoughtfully.

‘If that’s the case, it’ll be good for us.’

If the mastermind was the Queen of Yudonia, the situation could escalate into a full-blown war between the two nations unless Hyderland could gather support from other countries to stand against it.

Meanwhile, the situation was more manageable since the queen was just a puppet, and the troublemaker was Duke Frederick. After all, bringing him down and liberating the queen would be morally justifiable.

“Well, that’s just our speculation. We don’t have direct evidence to back this up,” Alexander said objectively.

In other words, acting without evidence would be unwise.

Cameron knew what he was talking about but changed the subject, “Where’s Rhea?”]]>

He thought Cameron would not want to do that after what she had done to him.

After some thought, Cameron stood up and said, “I guess I should.”

Soon after, they arrived at the outhouse, and Alexander unlocked the door to enter first. Although he used the area to imprison Rhea, it was clean and did not stink. He looked inside and saw Rhea sitting against the wall in a daze.

She seemed discouraged for the past few days as if she had nothing to live for. However, she was lively when she tried talking terms with Alexander. It was like she had a split personality.

Alexander approached her and stopped Cameron from getting too close. “Rhea.”

She blinked and smiled slightly. “Why? Did you change your mind? If you’re not here to discuss working with me, fuck off! I don’t want to see you.”

“Well, there’s someone who’d like to see you.” Alexander stepped aside.

Rhea was disinterested in knowing who the visitor was, so she did not look up and remained leaning against the wall.

“Ree,” Cameron called out her nickname.

Surprised to hear a familiar voice, Rhea turned to look at him. She was shocked to see him initially but burst into laughter a moment later, asking, “Are you here to laugh in my face?”

Cameron was somewhat speechless.

‘Her whole family is the same. Why do they keep assuming others want to laugh at them? Who would bother? Even seeing them causes me distress and sorrow!’

“We’ve raided your lab,” Cameron said.

Her gaze froze before she said blandly, “As I expected.”

Rhea knew that would happen sooner or later, especially after the organization abandoned the place. She did not bother about those left behind after taking what she needed.

“You know where the lab is. Do you understand what that implies?” Cameron thought she did not catch his drift and tried to give her a hint.

However, Rhea remained indifferent, saying, “You’re trying to say the lab was concealed within the research center, and my dad is in deep trouble, right? Didn’t you arrest him already?”

Her indifference shocked Cameron. She acted as if she was talking about some news she read in the paper.]]>

“Aren’t you worried about him?” he could not help but ask with a frown.

Rhea sneered, “I can’t even save myself. Besides, he’s too dumb to do business in a dog-eat-dog world. He should thank me for helping him sustain his business for so long.”

Her words shocked Cameron and Alexander.

Rhea noticed it and sat upright before saying, “I might sound harsh, but I’m speaking the truth. If you feel sorry for my dad, why don’t you just let him go? Would it make a difference if I pleaded on his behalf?”

“He’s only in trouble because of you,” Cameron murmured.

Rhea laughed. “What a joke! He would have gotten arrested long ago if it weren't for me. As you know, he’s done many stupid things over the years. It was just a matter of time before he ended up in jail, right?

“You should blame the timing instead. If we could’ve pulled it off sooner, maybe my dad could enjoy a comfortable life with my help."

She shook her head and sighed.

‘I don’t regret what I did. I’m just sorry things didn’t happen fast enough.’

Cameron knew what she meant, asking, “By ‘pulling it off,’ you mean putting your tainted vaccines into the market and harming more people, don’t you?”

He clenched his fists as he spoke. When he read the investigation report, he was shocked and furious by what they discovered in the research center.

Rhea retorted, “Don’t you think there are too many useless people in the world? Keeping those people around is just a waste of resources. We should reserve valuable resources for useful people, shouldn’t we?”

Cameron was in disbelief as he looked at her intensely. “What the hell did you learn when you studied abroad? What did the organization do to you?”

“What did they do?” Rhea slowly got to her feet and smiled at Cameron. “They discovered my talent and knew I was different from you guys. They gave me the best learning opportunities by exposing me to cutting-edge medicine and technology.

“They introduced me to a whole new world! Thanks to them, I realized I didn’t have to live under anyone’s shadow, and it didn’t matter if my parents neglected me. I could change the fate of most of the people in this world if I wanted to.

“The organization gave me confidence and opportunities. It was I who failed to utilize them fully. I don’t think I’ve failed yet.” She slowly sat back down, no longer having much to say.

As Cameron sighed and turned around, Alexander asked, “The virus you took is about to take effect, isn’t it?”

Rhea looked disturbed hearing his seemingly casual question. Although she remained silent, Alexander knew the answer. “If you must know, we’ve rejected your offer. I won’t use you to trade for Lily.”

“Why?!” Rhea exclaimed. “Don’t you care about her anymore?! Men are heartless! I know you can always get a new wife, but when the experiment succeeds, you’ll realize how foolish you were!”

Unfazed by her mockery, Alexander gazed at her. “Well, your experiment won’t work. Also, I won’t do it because…you’re just not worthy enough.”]]>