Chapter 9: Just Playing Around

Laughter erupted from the group as they conversed. Vanessa chuckled and remarked, "Never mind. I wouldn't dare have her serve me. The Camerons have spoiled her since childhood. Can you imagine her serving something as simple as tea or water?" As she finished, the others exchanged glances, their eyes darting behind Vanessa. Awkwardly clutching their wine glasses, they laughed to mask their embarrassment. Unaware, Vanessa reveled in the joy of joining the Adams family. She continued, "But I believe that, since her mother is a servant, she must have some talent. However, Maggie has always looked down on people like me, from humble backgrounds. How could she stoop so low?"

Suddenly, Maggie's voice rang out: "I wonder what Ms. Brown expects me to do? Serve tea and water, or assist with dressing and feeding?"

A cold voice came from behind. Vanessa stiffened. She hadn't anticipated Maggie's arrival and, fearing the Adams would discover her secret, had kept it from Maggie. "Maggie, you've misunderstood," Vanessa said anxiously, as if attempting an explanation. Maggie smiled, her face radiant. "Ms. Brown," she said, "you're eager to please. You truly resemble someone from an embarrassing, fallen family. Once you gain power, your petty nature is revealed." Vanessa hadn't expected such immediate rudeness. Her face fell. "Maggie, I didn't mean that. You've misunderstood."

She didn't want to alienate Maggie; she was using Maggie's identity, and needed her cooperation. Maggie smiled faintly. "If it's a misunderstanding, there's no need for an explanation."

Vanessa relaxed slightly, but remained uneasy. Maggie laughed. "But Vanessa, what am I jealous of? Is it that, despite your evident financial struggles, you juggle multiple jobs just to afford luxury brands? Or perhaps because you live in a poor area but pretend to be of noble birth? Or is it because you have an alcoholic father who occasionally beats you?"

Despite Maggie's smile, each word stung. Vanessa paled. She hadn't expected this public revelation. Wasn't Maggie always so easily deceived? Vanessa's fingers clenched, suppressing her anger.

She forced a smile. "Maggie, I didn't mean—"

"Really? So, is it my hearing problem? Or are the people here all sleepwalking?"

Maggie's almond-shaped eyes turned cold, chilling Vanessa. Realizing she couldn't maintain the pretense, Vanessa dropped the act. "Maggie, what are you so proud of? You're merely relying on your beauty and good luck! If it weren't for being adopted by the Camerons, your life would be worse than mine!"

"Oh, how could I forget? Even if the Camerons adopted you, aren't you just a plaything for Nathael? You cling to Joseph, yet have an ambiguous relationship with Nathael? Would someone like Nathael genuinely like you? He's just playing around! And Joseph won't want you anymore."

Years of resentment poured from Vanessa, bringing her a twisted pleasure. Maggie remained calm, about to speak, when a deep, cold male voice cut through the air: "It seems this lady knows my preferences quite well?"

Maggie was stunned. Nathael stood, radiating strength and striking handsomeness. His dark eyes held a hint of cruelty. The noisy crowd quieted. Whispers rippled through the guests:

"The seventh young master of the Harris family is here." "I didn't expect Mr. Harris to come." "He always has a good relationship with the Adams. He would attend Master Adam's birthday party." "But what is Vanessa's background? How dare she criticize Mr. Harris? Doesn't she value her life?" "Perhaps it's a strategy to capture a man's heart. She wants to attract Mr. Harris' attention."

Meeting Nathael's cold gaze, Vanessa paled, struggling to maintain composure. "Sir I" She had never dared to even think of him. Her mind went blank, her legs trembling.

Nathael's lips curled. "So, do you aspire to become the Third Madam of Harris? Are you trying to choose a wife for me?"

Vanessa's face drained of color. Laughter erupted.

"Ms. Brown, you're quite ambitious at such a young age. You dared to scheme against Mr. Harris." "Which Brown family does she belong to? How could they raise such an ill-mannered person?" "Does she think she's worthy of being the Third Madam of Harris? Madam Elise is a renowned beauty in Aquapolis, and everyone respects her."

Vanessa lowered her head. "I'm sorry, sir. I shouldn't have made such a joke. I'll be more careful in the future."

Nathael sneered. "Alex, make sure she's blacklisted from all Harris family businesses."

Vanessa stared in astonishment, but Nathael turned away, ignoring Maggie. "Maggie, I won't let you get away with this!" Vanessa glared at Maggie's retreating figure, blaming her for everything. She had offended a powerful man in Aquapolis on the very day she was to join the Adams.

Maggie caught up, grabbing Nathael's arm. He halted, staring at her black strapless gown. His eyes darkened, settling on her hand. He suppressed his restlessness. "Let me go."