Chapter 130: She Is Willing

Vanessa’s cheeks flushed, then paled, sensing a sharp shift in Maggie’s demeanor. It seemed a deliberate attempt to complicate things for her.

Trapped in the vehicle, Vanessa’s eyes were red and swollen, giving her a sorrowful expression as tears streamed down her cheeks.

Maggie noticed the tears and fell into deep thought. It seemed there was still something to glean from Vanessa. At the very least, she lacked the skill to convincingly hide her emotions.

"Maggie, Vanessa and I agreed on what happened between us. If you find it hard to accept, don't complicate things for her. If you're upset, direct your anger at me."

Joseph’s words were frosty; he felt the weight of his responsibility to confront the situation.

"You?" Maggie sneered. "I have no interest in interacting with you further. Why would I blame you? Or are you willing to forsake everything for love and rush to Vanessa’s aid?" Joseph frowned. "Don't be obstinate. This isn't the time for outbursts. Luster Corporation's future hangs in the balance. We can discuss this later." Witnessing his usual hypocrisy, Maggie felt disgusted.

Stripped of the veil of childhood memories and his past support, Joseph meant nothing to her. As a designer, she held herself to the highest aesthetic standards. At that moment, she realized his presence was utterly abhorrent.

"You're overanalyzing. I don't harbor such a petty grudge, especially toward you. Luster Corporation's success is important, but your emotional betrayals and affairs are significant, too. Did Mom and Dad teach you deceit and duplicity all these years?"

Maggie smiled, her crimson lips curving sardonically as she spoke frankly. Joseph’s face darkened, his displeasure evident.

"I know I was wrong in the past, but Maggie, you were the one who rejected me. I'm just an ordinary man with desires."

Joseph often felt discomfort pondering this. It felt like something he owned yet was barred from, sparking an unfulfilled longing. The feeling was vexing and discomfiting.

Maggie chuckled. "Those on the streets won't refuse you. They'll even lie down for you whenever you please."

She paused, looking meaningfully at Vanessa, then said, "And naturally, Ms. Brown wouldn't turn away a man who treated her kindly."

A pair of morally bankrupt and shameless scoundrels, truly made for each other.

Vanessa’s lips tightened; her anger was palpable. She… she actually compared me to streetwalkers!

"Alright, since you're being irrational, don't blame me for being direct. You've had Joseph's attention for years. He's been kind to you, but what about you? Are your feelings for him real? Do you have any lingering affection for him?" Maggie was speechless. What absurdity is she uttering? Clearly, we disagree.

"Sorry, I've never had any attachment to discarded refuse. As for the past, if he treated me well, it was his choice. How about you? Wasn't he as good to you?"

Maggie’s eyes held a captivating allure, her crimson lips tantalizing and bewitching. There was an indescribable sharpness to her, a cold beauty like a thorny rose unfolding after a rainstorm. Evidently distant, yet undeniably appealing.

Vanessa was losing her composure. She couldn't match Maggie’s eloquence, especially with Joseph present. She needed to be careful with her words; how could she compete with Maggie?

A call from Ronald came in. Joseph pushed aside his turmoil to answer.

"Dad."

Ronald asked, "How's everything? Are you almost there?"

Joseph glanced at the clock and restarted the car. "Yeah, almost there."

"Annie can be obstinate. If you win her over, she'll be welcoming. But if you fail to impress her, things could get tough."

"I understand."

Ronald added, "Maggie and Vanessa are also there, but it's primarily you and Vanessa. More people mean more chances. If things don't go smoothly, you two can strategize and secure Annie's support."

"Dad, no need to fret," Joseph reassured, with Vanessa adding, "Uncle, rest assured. I've researched Annie's tastes. I'm familiar with her jewelry designs."

Quietly, Maggie stared out the window. The charming European architecture evoked memories of Nathael Harris, whether she liked it or not. Do normal men experience desires? What about Nathael?

Throughout her previous life, despite his protection, he never made a romantic advance. Did he lack desires?

Maggie couldn't comprehend it. Had they truly spent the night together?

She remembered the room key card in her bag; the bag felt like it was burning her hands. Sending a room key card—what does it mean?

She frowned, feeling uneasy. She wasn't naive; she knew what he desired. His dark eyes always conveyed a potent mix of restraint and hidden longing when they met.

Nathael longed to be with her, regardless of the motive.

Reflecting on this, Maggie closed her eyes, feeling inexplicable apprehension about the evening. In truth, if it were him, there was nothing she couldn't embrace. Yet, she couldn't shake her unease and apprehension about the unknown. Joseph found it hard to endure for only a year. How did Nathael maintain control?

Maggie felt a slight regret, thinking it might simply fade away. If that's true, it might be best to grant his desire.

Maggie sighed. It had been a long time coming, and she knew this day would arrive. Mentally, she was prepared.

Her only regret was that it wasn't when their hearts were aligned. Nevertheless, if he desired it, she was willing to journey with him to paradise.

After speaking with Ronald, Maggie decided against mentioning the discord between Vanessa and Joseph. She composed herself. Vanessa and Joseph avoided the topic.

After all, even endless discussion wouldn't help.

An hour later, the car stopped in front of a low-key yet magnificent jewelry store. Maggie’s eyes fell on the familiar sign, and she smiled involuntarily.

Looks like it's time to meet an old acquaintance.

In her past life, she had a strong bond with Annie. She had gone to great lengths to introduce her to the Camerons. This time, without her involvement, she wanted to observe Joseph and Vanessa's capabilities firsthand.