Chapter 108: All Men Are Like This

Maggie's continued silence prompted Maggie to send a GIF of two cuddling teddy bears, hoping to lighten his mood. However, he remained unresponsive. Maggie felt a surge of irritation. She understood his upset, but the depth of his silence puzzled her. Shouldn't there be room for discussion, even with weighty issues? She began to doubt whether Nathael was genuinely upset. Finally, she closed WhatsApp, deciding against further messages. Pleasing this man seemed increasingly difficult.

An hour later, Maggie was back at school, collecting necessities before heading to the Cameron residence. The Camerons were behaving typically, which, to Maggie, was advantageous. Their chaos provided her opportunity.

Upon arrival, she encountered Vanessa and Olivia (whose welcome was lukewarm but tolerable). Joseph was affectionately feeding Vanessa, creating a scene of domestic bliss. Vanessa, upon seeing Maggie, reacted with guilt, quickly rising from the couch in a panicked display that made Maggie roll her eyes.

Joseph, maintaining eye contact with Maggie, gestured for Vanessa to sit. "Why did you get up? Sit down."

Vanessa hesitated, glancing nervously at Maggie.

Maggie laughed. "If he tells you to sit, then sit. Why the long face? I'm not going to bite."

Despite her gentle demeanor, Vanessa's reluctance was tinged with satisfaction.

"Don't just cuddle; sit on his lap instead. Guys enjoy that," Maggie teased unexpectedly.

Vanessa was taken aback by Maggie's bold suggestion. Sitting on Joseph's lap in front of the Camerons, however, seemed imprudent.

Maggie's true intentions were apparent. Regardless of Vanessa's choice, Maggie's comment soured Joseph's mood. What did she think of him? He suppressed his irritation, remaining silent.

The past couple of years had been difficult for the Camerons in the construction sector, with lost opportunities in Chronopolis and a government blacklist forcing them into the jewelry industry. Vanessa's role in this shift was crucial. Her father expected her to impress Philip and his wife, hoping she would be adopted as their goddaughter to gain intelligence on the Adams family.

Vanessa hadn't yet achieved this objective, but given her current standing, they needed to cultivate a bond with her, showcasing their worth and igniting her ambition to align her efforts with their goals.

Joseph, skilled in manipulation thanks to Ronald's tutelage (essential to winning Maggie over previously), hesitated to admit that inviting Vanessa was a tactic to gauge Maggie's reaction. He'd tried contacting Maggie—bombarding her with calls and messages—but she'd blocked him. He was irritated by her composed demeanor.

"Joseph?" Vanessa's voice was soft.

"Why are you looking at her? You're my girlfriend now," Joseph declared icily.

Vanessa's heart soared; this was the first time Joseph openly acknowledged her after so long. Looking triumphantly at Maggie, she couldn't hide her victory.

Maggie smiled slightly and wished her luck, silently reflecting on the Camerons' inherent kindness.

"Maggie is here. Is everyone here? Let's all sit," Master Cameron announced from upstairs, his voice resonant.

"Grandpa," Maggie greeted with a nod.

"Smithers, could you have the servants step out?" Master Cameron ensured privacy before addressing his family. "This meeting is to discuss our jewelry company strategy. We've focused on two key areas: general merchandise for the wider market and luxury jewelry for an exclusive clientele."

As Master Cameron detailed their approach, Maggie listened intently, recognizing their attempt to emulate the Adams' success. However, she knew the Adams' century-long presence and intricate approach set a high bar, not easily matched by imitation.

"I've secured the Adams' design sketches and plans for next year's flagship collection from a reliable source," Master Cameron revealed. Noah distributed the sketches.

Maggie reviewed the designs, considering Master Cameron's strategy.

"My suggestion is to launch this series prematurely through our existing subsidiary, seizing the market before the Adams. When they release their collection, we'll position ourselves as the originals, accusing them of imitation to generate publicity."

Maggie, focusing on the sketches, recognized the strategic acumen, albeit morally gray. It was a bold move to directly challenge the Adams. This approach was straightforward and potentially very effective. By closely aligning their brand with the Adams', they created curiosity among consumers outside the Adams' dedicated fanbase. Strategic pricing and promotions would capitalize on this.

Reflecting on her past life, Maggie remembered the Camerons' jewelry ambitions, but the details and timing differed. These changes made the future unpredictable.

"Let's open the floor to ideas," Master Cameron suggested.

Vanessa, who'd studied jewelry design in college, offered valuable insights. Joseph contributed and then looked at Maggie wordlessly.

Maggie felt something was wrong. Master Cameron and Ronald kept glancing at her, their attention palpable even without looking up. "I might not have much to add regarding jewelry, but the business strategy seems sound," she commented quietly.