Chapter 106: Come With Me

Before Maggie could speak, a strong hand gripped her wrist, pulling her toward Nathael. She was startled. Turning, she met his stern gaze, but his intense eyes were fixed on Ericko as he commanded, in a deep voice, "Come with me."

Realizing he meant her, Maggie hesitated. With Fiona undergoing emergency surgery, she felt torn.

Ericko, holding her other hand, intervened gently. "Whether she goes or not is up to her. You're being a bit pushy, Mr. Harris."

Maggie glanced between them, sensing tension. She noticed Ericko’s facial bruises were worse than Nathael’s. What the hell is happening? she thought. Aren't you supposed to avoid the face in a fight? How could anyone destroy such handsome faces?

Shoving aside her thoughts, Maggie tried to wriggle free from both men. Nathael redirected his attention to her pale face, speaking gently, as if the tense moment hadn't occurred. "Did you get breakfast?" He consciously ignored her coat, finding it distracting.

After a pause, Maggie realized she'd been gone a while. "Not yet," she answered softly. "I ran into Mrs. Adam fainting when I arrived."

Nathael suggested gently, "I had Alex fetch breakfast. Since your stomach isn't feeling well, you should go upstairs and eat first. Go on." His tone was coaxing, but his deep eyes held a chilling intensity.

Maggie declined. "You go ahead. I'll go back later."

Nathael's smile vanished. Impatience and restraint darkened his eyes. He grabbed her wrist again. "Okay, last chance. You sticking with him or coming with me?"

Maggie felt something was off, but on second thought, his words seemed reasonable. Yet, she sensed hostility toward Ericko. They're good friends, aren't they?

The atmosphere grew tense as she locked eyes with him. His gaze was intense, his grip unexpectedly strong.

Just then, Phillip called, "Ericko, your mom's out."

Maggie wiggled free, hurrying to Ericko. Nathael instinctively tightened his grip, causing her to stumble. She saw his dark red eyes.

"You should eat first. No need to wait for me. I'll go back in a bit," Maggie said, freeing herself and following Ericko. Nathael attempted to halt her, but only caught her sleeve. The thin fabric slipped through his fingers, along with the warmth she carried.

Nathael stood motionless, his gaze fixed on them. His eyes turned dark red, a bitter smile hinting at cruelty and desolation. He didn't want to pursue it, to let it go, he thought. But she's being so intimate with another man. Does she think I'm easy to manipulate? Or am I just a fool, worthy only of being deceived?

Fiona emerged from the ward in a hospital gown, pale and frail despite regaining consciousness. Accompanied by Ericko and Phillip, Maggie followed, observing the somber atmosphere. Phillip muttered, "I told you to bring servants, but you ignored me. What am I supposed to do if something goes wrong?" Maggie was shocked to see her usually composed father wiping away tears. Fiona, weak but improving, sat against the headboard, hooked up to monitors. "I'm fine with just you and Ericko. Having so many people around makes me dizzy," she said soothingly.

"How are you feeling, Mom?" Ericko asked gently.

"Much better," Fiona replied, feeling guilty for worrying them. Her gaze shifted to Maggie, sensing familiarity. Before losing consciousness, she'd glimpsed her rescuer's silhouette; seeing Maggie's face now stirred déjà vu.

"This is Maggie Adam, Mom and Dad. She's the friend who rescued me," Ericko introduced warmly.

Phillip scrutinized Maggie, his brow furrowing, as if trying to recall something. Recalling Maggie's aid, his doubts vanished, and he greeted her warmly. "Ms. Adam, what a coincidence we share the same surname."

He smiled, still dashing and refined despite his age. "I'm truly grateful for your help. If it weren't for you, I don't know what would have happened to my wife."

Maggie steered the conversation away from excessive gratitude. "Mr. Adam, how is your wife's health? Is she still in danger?"

Phillip's expression turned serious. "Dr. Stone suggested immediate surgery, but she's too weak; it's very risky."

Undisturbed, Fiona called Maggie over and took her hand. "Maggie, how do you know Ericko? When did you two meet?" Her gaze moved between them. This girl is striking, she thought. Radiant, composed, aloof, with captivating eyes.

Ericko was speechless. He sensed his mother, like the other man, had misinterpreted something.

"Do you have a boyfriend, Maggie? Why don't you consider Ericko?" Mrs. Adam asked, her spirits buoyant despite her illness.