Chapter 218: What Are You Talking About?

When Maggie heard this, a wave of relief washed over her. Just as she was about to speak, Ronald called.

Maggie remained calm as she answered. "Dad, I was just about to call you."

"What's happening? Why aren't you wearing the jewelry we arranged? Do you understand why you're in this competition? Maggie, are you defying us?" Ronald's voice was tight with barely suppressed anger.

Though he wasn't yelling, Maggie sensed his frustration. She knew this controlled anger was a sign he was close to losing it, especially for someone as strategic as he was.

"Dad, I'm not" Maggie feigned a choked sob, as if struggling to speak.

"It's one thing if Sierra doesn't cooperate, but why are you going against us too?" Ronald's tone softened slightly, revealing underlying disappointment and concern.

"Dad, what's going on with Sierra?" Maggie asked, feigning ignorance.

Ronald was close to exploding. Olivia had just informed him of Sierra's sudden decision to change her jewelry. Everything had been planned; all that remained was execution. But then a company call revealed Maggie wasn't wearing Luster Corporation jewelry. Sierra wasn't wearing it either; she was wearing Adam Group jewelry! This nearly made Ronald lose his temper. Master Cameron even fainted.

"We'll discuss Sierra later. Now, tell me your side of the story. Are you afraid of being linked to Luster Corporation, affecting your future? Or are you worried about your reputation?" Ronald demanded, eager for an explanation.

Maggie had prepared one. "Dad, it wasn't my decision. Nathael sent over jewelry backstage. With so many people around, I didn't want to embarrass or upset him—it might involve the family." Ronald was stunned. He hadn't anticipated this.

"Really?" he asked, his brow furrowed, unsure whether Maggie's closeness to Nathael was positive or negative. After all, the Camerons hadn't gained anything from him in six months, but they had…

(The ellipsis suggests unfinished text. The following section appears to be a continuation of the same chapter, so it's included below.)

"Of course, it's true. Dad, you saw the jewelry I wore; ask someone who knows. Besides, there were so many people backstage. I wouldn't lie about this," Maggie explained eagerly, sounding agitated.

Ronald was flustered and upset, but ultimately didn't blame Maggie entirely. He softened his tone. "So there's a hidden truth. But you should understand we put a lot of effort into this competition, and you changed your mind at the last minute. You should have informed us."

Maggie choked back tears. "Dad, I texted you then, and later, I heard Sierra say she'd call Mom, so I asked her to tell you. Didn't Mom tell you?"

Ronald frowned, checking his phone. No messages, but there was a WhatsApp text from Maggie. He was speechless. Sierra hadn't mentioned it, increasing his frustration.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I didn't expect this to become such a big deal. I wanted to call you, but backstage was chaotic, and I was about to go on stage," Maggie apologized sincerely.

"It's okay. It's not entirely your fault. If you refused Mr. Harris's gift, you'd have embarrassed him, causing resentment," Ronald sighed, feeling unlucky. Maggie's situation was understandable, but Sierra was infuriating!

"We'll talk later," Ronald said before ending the call, still frustrated but needing to handle the situation.

After hanging up, Maggie breathed a sigh of relief. Turning to Nathael, she wrapped her arm around his neck and whispered, "Mr. Harris, your name is very useful."

If Nathael hadn't been there, she would have been in far more trouble. Mentioning his name had rendered Ronald speechless and helpless. The Camerons still relied on her to win Nathael's favor.

Nathael pulled her onto his lap, his hand resting on her waist. Looking into her eyes, he said, "You can use it whenever you need to." Maggie smiled. "Really?"

(The following appears to be a new scene, perhaps a continuation of the chapter):

The woman before him had a delicate, captivating face, glowing with magnetic allure. Her clear eyes held…

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Nathael chuckled, leaning in to kiss her lips, his voice husky. "Of course, but there will be a price to pay."

His kiss was passionate, and Maggie responded eagerly. The car's atmosphere grew heated. Maggie saw the desire in Nathael's eyes and teased him by lightly running her fingers over his body. The warmth on his earlobe sent shivers down his spine.

Nathael flipped her over, pinning her beneath him. His eyes burned with desire, knowing she was teasing him. He growled, "Do you want me to do it here?"

Maggie hesitated, calmly pushing him away and adjusting her clothes. "What are you talking about, Mr. Harris? You kissed me first." Despite her flushed cheeks, she looked at him calmly, confused and doubtful.

Nathael was infuriated, almost wanting to throttle her. After a few seconds, he chuckled, rolled down the window, lit a cigarette, and sneered, "Just wait." A cold determination hardened his gaze.

Maggie felt uneasy, touching her nose and avoiding his gaze. She knew he might react violently if she spoke. She blinked, still feeling the tingling on her lips and the warmth of his touch. She'd planned to tell him he could have his wish after the competition, but now she was too scared.

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