Chapter 114: Unexpected Encounter
Ericko didn't respond, but he understood why Nathael held a misconception about Maggie's relationship with him—Beth's photos and videos. At the hospital that day, Maggie, preoccupied with Fiona's illness, likely hadn't noticed her own pale face and icy body. He probably hadn't realized he'd held her hand and draped a jacket over her. She hadn't noticed, but Nathael had. Ericko remembered the dangerous look in Nathael's eyes when he saw them. When Maggie chose to stay at the hospital, Nathael likely believed she had chosen him.
"That's me. I'm going home," Maggie said, withdrawing from her thoughts and not expecting a response. She simply needed to vent her frustration.
"Sure, contact me anytime," Ericko said softly, his expression gentle. He had no intention of explaining; if Nathael wasn't going to, why should he interfere? If Nathael wanted to reconcile with Maggie, he'd have to resolve the misunderstandings himself. Besides, letting Nathael stew might not be a bad thing.
After their acrimonious parting, Maggie hadn't contacted Nathael, nor had he contacted her. The distance between them, once too close, felt like it had reverted to its starting point—perhaps even worse than before.
Maggie refused to dwell on the breakup, immersing herself in her jewelry company and venture capital firm. Using resources she’d secured from Ronald, she overhauled everything. Leo and Mia invested in both ventures, and they officially launched. While Maggie understood jewelry design, she lacked business experience. In her previous life, the Camerons would never have entrusted her with such responsibilities; after her blindness and disfigurement, it had become wishful thinking.
When Ericko learned of her project, he assigned an experienced employee to assist her. With this assistance, the jewelry company thrived. Leo managed the venture capital firm, while Maggie leveraged her past life's memories, presenting potential projects to Leo for evaluation.
Half a month later, Maggie boarded a flight to Yatria for a two-week exchange program. She never expected to see a familiar face—Nathael—in first class. He was dressed in a navy blue suit, casually reading a book.
Maggie was stunned by the coincidence. It had been almost half a month since she last saw him. Feeling her gaze, Nathael looked up, their eyes meeting. His expression remained stern and unreadable. Maggie remained silent, her initial surprise giving way to calm. After a brief moment, Nathael returned to his book. Maggie, pouting slightly, decided against initiating conversation. After the flight attendant helped with her luggage, she settled beside him.
Maggie opened her in-flight computer, chose a movie at random, and put on her headphones. The motivational film, however, proved irritating in a foreign language. Nathael turned a page. He smelled faintly of cedar. He wore a blue-striped tie.
Maggie struggled to ignore him. Finally, she switched to music, reclined her seat, and put on sunglasses, closing her eyes. Out of sight, out of mind. Even with sunglasses, she couldn't resist glancing at him occasionally before finally losing herself in thought. He seemed fine. Maybe she wasn't as important to him as she'd thought. Perhaps her tension stemmed from her busy and exhausting schedule. Shortly after takeoff, Maggie fell asleep.
Nathael slowly closed his book, turning his head to glance at her. His gaze was deep and dark. Indeed, this woman was heartless, he thought, watching her for a moment before looking away, lost in thought.
When Maggie awoke, it was dark outside. She subconsciously looked at Nathael; he was still reading under the overhead light. "Miss, may I offer you anything?" the flight attendant asked kindly.
Maggie looked at the menu, her brow furrowed in a sleepy haze. She hadn’t slept well; the turbulence made it difficult. After ordering, the attendant brought her meal. Maggie glanced at Nathael, wondering if he'd eaten. He was particular about his food, rarely touching anything he didn't like. With the plane food, he likely wouldn't be interested. Good, she thought, let him starve.
Adjusting her seat, Maggie discovered a blanket had been placed over her. "You're very kind," she said earnestly to the flight attendant.
The attendant, momentarily surprised, smiled. "It's my pleasure."
Nathael, nearby, paused, slightly irritated.
Maggie, having slept, had a good appetite. Despite her enjoyment of the food, she felt restrained and nervous near Nathael. "Please refill my wine," she said, handing her glass to the attendant after finishing her meal, wanting another sip to relax. She looked at Nathael defiantly, determined not to let him affect her mood.
Just as she felt relaxed, turbulence struck. The plane hit a patch of severe turbulence, spilling her unfinished wine. The flight attendant was standing near Nathael, and the wine splashed onto him. The red wine was strikingly visible on his white shirt, though not heavily soaked into his suit. Maggie was speechless, wondering if he'd believe it was accidental.