Chapter 13: Does It Concern You, Mr. Harris?
The Adams family chose not to intervene directly because it involved other people's family affairs. Ericko, however, called the police. Consequently, Vanessa and Gerald were taken to the station for mediation and investigation. Having witnessed the absurd drama, Maggie felt a sense of satisfaction and immediately left the banquet.
As she stepped out of the hotel's main entrance, a refreshing gust of night wind cooled her.
Feeling in a good mood, Maggie mused, "Everything will change, won't it?"
At that moment, Ericko followed her outside and said gently, "Ms. Adams, there was no report of a servant's accidental death at the Adams estate. Could you please provide your mother's name? I believe there's a misunderstanding." Maggie stared at him. Ericko patiently met her gaze; his demeanor was inherently persuasive.
After a moment, Maggie softly replied, "Jocelyn Quinlan."
Ronald had carefully arranged for her mother's identity and name to be discovered. In her past life, she had investigated, but hadn't suspected the Camerons, so her inquiry was incomplete. What she found was precisely what Ronald wanted her to discover. The investigation only deepened her hatred for the Adams family.
Ericko softly repeated the name, seemingly searching his memory, then said, "I've noted it."
Maggie nodded slightly, avoiding his gaze, fearing her eyes would betray the hint of redness welling up.
Suddenly, Ericko draped his suit jacket over her shoulders. He said gently, "I'll have someone escort you home."
The sudden warmth made Maggie feel unreal.
Subconsciously, she looked at the gentle but somewhat distant man beside her, her throat tightening. She curled her fingers and said, "Mr. Adams, it's not necessary. I have plans with friends."
Is he my brother? she thought. He is a modest gentleman with a gentle demeanor. In this lifetime, I will surely protect them well.
At that moment, Nathael's car stopped across the street. He watched her from there.
Reaching the roadside, Maggie prepared to hail a taxi.
Shortly after, a black Maybach pulled up. Maggie was stunned, then saw Nathael's cold, handsome face in the lowered window.
"Get in," he said, his voice low, his eyes deep.
Maggie hesitated, surprised by his request.
Seeing her hesitation, Nathael frowned, impatience in his eyes. "I don't want to repeat myself."
Maggie hesitated, then got into the car.
Inside, the atmosphere was heavy, carrying a faint scent of cedar. Maggie turned to look at him, illuminated by the car's light, and softly said, "You"
"Are you quite familiar with him?" Nathael interrupted, noticing her suit.
"Who?" Maggie responded instinctively, realizing he meant Ericko.
She opened her mouth, unsure how to answer. Familiar? she thought. Of course not! I barely knew Ericko before today. But aren't we familiar? He is my blood brother.
Seeing her silence, Nathael's gaze grew colder. He leaned closer, his hand on her chin, his lips parting slightly. "What do you want from Ericko this time?"
His voice held an inexplicable chill, his dark eyes oppressive. His cold, handsome face was inches from hers. Maggie's throat tightened, her heart pounding.
"I don't" she began, unable to explain. Should I mention my rebirth? Whether he believes it or not, I couldn't tell him about the past. Could I tell him I harbored hatred for over a decade? That I ruined his reputation, caused a rift between him and Ericko, and shattered the harmony in the Adams family? That he was implicated and died because of me? Those past actions were foolish and ridiculous—things I least want to mention. And what if Nathael found out? How would he see me then?
Maggie didn't want to speak. They had finally started anew. Those things were unbearable secrets.
"Well, you've always had clear goals," Nathael sneered, sarcasm in his eyes.
Maggie was speechless, a bitter sensation in her chest. But wasn't he right? she thought. In the past, she had believed the Camerons were kind. For their ambitions and Joseph's desires, she had schemed and used Nathael repeatedly. Now, even though her approach to Ericko wasn't calculated, there were still ulterior motives. Yet, she still felt wrong. At least this time, she really wasn't
Facing his mockery, Maggie smiled and said, "Yes, I'm plotting for the Adams' wealth. Since Mr. Harris can't give me what I want, I'll change my target. Ericko is polite, gentle, and refined. He's a good person and wealthy. Compared to"
She stopped. Compared to Mr. Harris, he's much better!
The words wouldn't come, no matter how angry she was. Her sharp tongue had served her well. In her past life, with Nathael, she had been indulged, making her witty and eloquent. But no matter how wronged or angry, she couldn't say those words. He was the best Nathael in the world. No matter how good Ericko was, he couldn't compare.
Even though she stopped, Nathael's anger flared. His eyes darkened, tinged with crimson.
"Compared to what?" he asked, his voice cold.
Maggie squinted, speaking with flattery, "He's a hundred times worse than you."
Nathael laughed coldly, seeing through her hypocrisy. But thinking of her praise for Ericko, he asked, "Do you like him?"
Maggie was speechless. This misunderstanding is significant! Whether to say it or not my brother is much better than Joseph.
"I guess," she replied vaguely.
"Hmph, you're fickle and unfaithful!" Nathael sneered, discomfort in his chest.
Maggie remained silent. He won't let it go, will he? Should I get angry? If I don't assert myself, will he treat me like a Hello Kitty?
Maggie narrowed her eyes and said softly, "It's fun to have options. I'm happy. Does it concern you, Mr. Harris?"