Chapter 381: Come Home

Despair and regret washed over Olivia. Her intention to help Sierra escape the Camerons stemmed from a desire to protect her from further hardship and provide financial stability. She hadn't foreseen that her actions would inadvertently plunge Sierra into another ordeal. Had she, she would have preferred Sierra marry into the Zimmers.

Olivia grappled with the weight of her decisions. She couldn't understand how her life had spiraled so drastically, or how her children found themselves in such dire straits. "Ronald, please… Sierra must have been manipulated. We can't stand idly by while her life falls apart!"

Olivia's pleas were unanswered; Ronald seemed preoccupied.

"Enough!" Madam Cameron snapped, her patience exhausted by Olivia's tears. "The investigation team is scrutinizing our family. Do you think things will improve?" Olivia winced, the ache in her chest intensifying as she sank into a chair.

Meanwhile, Vanessa gently guided the still-weak Joseph downstairs. His movements remained strained, despite his gradual recovery. However, he could now articulate his thoughts. "Dad… Sierra probably… got set up…"

His speech was slurred. Though he wasn't close to Sierra, she was family. Having endured hardship himself, he empathized. Ronald glanced at his son, who spoke with unwavering conviction, but remained silent.

As Joseph descended, he continued, "Dad, the key is Maggie. If she drops the accusations and forgoes legal action, we might salvage something."

"Our family is in disarray, and Sierra's actions have worsened things. Do you expect us to clean up after her?" Master Cameron's tone, though softened for his grandson, conveyed his exasperation.

Joseph pondered before suggesting, "Perhaps we could argue Sierra's mental illness to protect her and discredit her accusations."

"No chance," Noah interjected. "The stakes are too high. Altering her statement won't help."

Joseph was slow to grasp this. Ronald, frustrated by his son's slowness, closed his eyes in irritation. Joseph had his suspicions, but lagged behind Nathael.

Who can help us?

Maggie found Nathael in the study, on a call. She crept up, intending to surprise him with a hug, but he sensed her and gently covered her hand.

"Okay, I'll talk to her," Nathael said, ending the call. He pulled Maggie into a hug. "Hungry?"

Maggie shook her head, still groggy from oversleeping.

"Heard about the Cameron saga?" Nathael asked.

"Yep. And you're behind it," Maggie affirmed, meeting his gaze confidently.

"Things happen. Even when doing good, accusations arise, especially with mistakes," Nathael said, gently placing her on the desk, his hands bracing her, leaning in to examine her face. He scrutinized her swollen, bruised cheeks.

"My mother thinks that if things weren't smooth between you and the Camerons, it could be a chance for you to break free," Nathael said softly. Maggie was surprised by Clara's proactive thinking.

"I didn't mention your connection to the Adams, so she might have jumped to conclusions, thinking you needed backup," Nathael explained. Maggie remained silent until Nathael prompted, "Are you thinking about reconnecting with your biological parents? Or is something else going on?" This silenced Maggie again.

Two years.

If I can't live beyond that, should I return to the Adams? I'll just cause my family more pain.

☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐ ☐

Ericko can handle it, but what about Fiona? She's already ill. And Madam Adam worries about me. How will they take my death?

If I'm going to die anyway, it's better if they never find me.

How do I tell Nathael all that?

"I need to talk to my brother," Maggie stalled, hoping he'd lose interest after a few days post-breakup.

"Sure, we'll call Ericko later," Nathael said, sensing her reluctance.

"Ronald might still be suspicious. If he contacts you, brush him off," Nathael advised.

"Got it," Maggie replied, but considered that she might meet Ronald if he wanted to see her.

Come Home

She put aside confronting them directly, curious about the source of their malice. Even if she confronted them, she wanted to see what Ronald was up to.

After breakfast, Nathael attended two online meetings. While Maggie chatted with Lucas, she gathered intelligence on the Cameron Group online, directing him to specific news items. Lucas, a top-tier hacker, made this easy. She also tried to recall useful information from her past life.

Ericko called. Maggie glanced at her phone, knowing why, but hesitant to address it. It's infuriating! The Camerons deserve a worse fate than death. A swift death would be too merciful.

Finally, she answered. "Ericko."

"I've been working with Nathael on the Cameron Group takeover. In under two weeks, Ronald's sector should be bankrupt. Noah's trickier. His businesses and profits are meager, and he's separate from Ronald."

"Master Cameron and Ronald are preparing for this. Noah's ventures are separate to give them a fighting chance."

"Noah's always been slippery. His businesses aren't profitable, mostly serving Ronald, and won't withstand scrutiny. He has skeletons in his closet," Maggie murmured. Ericko paused. "Nana, come home."

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