Chapter 2: What Tricks Are You Up To Again?

Three months later, the formidable Camerons were gone. A beautiful day dawned, the sun shining brightly.

Nathael meticulously adjusted his shirt and suit in the mirror. His suit was perfectly pressed, and he wore the only gift she'd ever given him: a blue-striped tie.

His expression was less gloomy, resembling that of a young man preparing for a date, as he drove to the Rose Manor he'd built for her.

Inside, a vast sea of brilliant red roses filled the senses. In the center stood a small mound, marked by a wooden sign engraved with the words: "The Tomb of My Beloved Wife, Maggie Adam." Maggie knew he'd carved those words, one by one, with a dagger. Lush, dark green vines entwined the sign, blooming with exquisite roses; the scene was antique and beautiful. Nathael sat before the sign for a long time, like a child abandoned by the world. The ringing of the phone shattered the silence.

"Sir, I wanted to confirm the corneal transplant surgery you arranged."

Nathael remained silent, then slowly said, "Cancel it. She's gone."

Relief washed over the person on the other end. If he’d transplanted the eyes of the Harris family's seventh young master into a woman, the Harris family would never forgive him! Maggie bit her lip, fighting back tears that felt strangely numb. Nathael had intended to give her his eyes! Why was he so kind? Why would he give her his eyes? Why would he let her use and deceive him repeatedly?

He knew Joseph had used her as bait. Why did he still risk his life to save her? Fool! Nathael, you are incredibly foolish!

"Alex, March 6th marks the death anniversary of Maggie's parents. Starting now, I'd like you to place a bouquet of flowers on their graves for me every year."

"Mr. Harris" Nathael's fingers touched the word "Maggie" on the tombstone; tenderness filled his eyes.

"Bury me with her."

Maggie felt a sudden, instinctive urge to stop him.

"No! Nathael! No!"

Her fingers brushed his arm. Nathael turned, saying softly, "Maggie, have you come back to visit me?" Maggie screamed, but he only smiled. He raised a black pistol and aimed it at his head.

"Don't be afraid," he said. "We will be together again soon"

Bang! The gunshot rang out. Nathael collapsed before the tomb. It was as if the world's stars had lost their brilliance. He was finally with his loved one.

Maggie cried out in pain; her soul grew transparent. Nathael, if there's a next life, I'll treat you well…

"Hmph! You're so generous to Joseph!" The cold, familiar voice made Maggie freeze. She stared blankly at the unfamiliar hotel, her head throbbing from a hangover. "Nathael, your arm…" Maggie stared at the man before her.

He was tall and handsome, with beautiful, deep phoenix eyes. He looked much younger, untouched by betrayal and injury. More importantly, his left arm was intact! She almost thought she was hallucinating and instinctively reached for his left hand.

The touch was real, filling her with joy. Trembling, she said, "Your arm is okay?" Nathael's eyes turned cold. He pushed her away. "What tricks are you up to again?"

Startled, Maggie stumbled back. Nathael averted his gaze, his eyes slightly closed. With restrained anger, he said, "If that's what you want, I will cancel the cooperation with the Adams on the Chronopolis project and let the Camerons take over. Don't show up in front of me again."

He turned and left, never glancing back. Nathael knew the Camerons were corrupt, but they'd raised her; she considered them family. Despite knowing it was a scheme, he couldn't disappoint her.

He lowered his gaze, concealing his self-mockery.

Maggie stood lost in thought. The Chronopolis project? The Adams? Wasn't that ten years ago? Could the Adams still exist? Her foster father, Ronald Cameron, had always lied, claiming she was the daughter of the Adams' nanny, abandoned after the Adams killed her mother.

In her previous life, upon discovering Nathael's collaboration with the Adams, she'd conspired with the Camerons to destroy the Adams through deceit—all for revenge. But now, none of that had happened. Maggie rushed to the bathroom mirror, staring at the youthful girl reflected there.

Her eyes reddened. Her throat tightened as she touched her cheek. Her skin was flawless, and her eyes were clear and bright! Have I been reborn? I've been given a second chance! Tears welled up; she laughed.

"Joseph, Sierra! You'll see, this time, I'll make you pay!"

Composing herself, Maggie grabbed her belongings and rushed out, intending to find Nathael. She remembered the Chronopolis project was the beginning of everything.

To sabotage Nathael and the Adams, the Camerons drugged Maggie and placed her in Nathael's bed, making her believe he'd violated her. She developed a deep hatred for him, suppressing her disgust to blackmail him.

"Mr. Harris, if you hand over the Chronopolis project to the Camerons, I won't pursue what happened tonight."

Nathael had mocked her generosity. Reflecting, Maggie laughed at herself. Was she generous? She'd sacrificed her innocence for the Camerons, unaware it was a scheme. She hadn't expected Nathael to have restrained himself that night; he hadn't touched her. A discomfort settled in her chest. He'd cherished and indulged her, yet she'd repeatedly plotted against him. She deserved a gruesome end! But he was so wonderful… he shouldn't have met such a fate.

As she reached the lobby, she was pulled aside.

"How did it go? Did it work?" The eager, familiar voice brought Maggie back to reality.