Chapter 137: Gift

Joseph's face twitched as the truth hit him.

Maggie snickered softly. "Does it matter if it happened once or a few times? Either way, it won't be you."

Joseph's expression flickered strangely. Maggie didn't say another word, simply strutting away, her heels clicking on the floor.

Joseph stood, growing increasingly agitated. Ever since the Camerons' attempt to use Nathael to please him, he'd known this was coming. Oddly, upon first learning of it, he'd only felt slightly uneasy. He'd figured sacrificing her for the family wasn't a big deal.

But as time passed, that feeling intensified, a lump forming in his throat, and he found himself furious.

After Maggie left, Vanessa saw her go.

"Maggie!" Vanessa's face paled, clearly shaken by Joseph's words.

Maggie smiled, her expression a mixture of pity and sarcasm. "Heard it all, huh? He said he loves me, not you. You mean nothing to him."

Vanessa felt the gaze was intensely piercing, leaving her speechless.

"I'm not with him for money. I genuinely want to be with him," Vanessa insisted.

Maggie burst out laughing. She found Vanessa's naiveté and foolishness astounding; she might as well have confessed to being in it for the money.

"Before you utter those words, you might want to remove that necklace. It might lend more credibility to your argument," Maggie said, her gaze sweeping over Vanessa's elegant jewelry.

While not extravagant or rare, the jewelry was clearly beyond Vanessa's means. Why play both sides?

By the time Maggie left, it was six o'clock. She skipped Joseph's offer of a ride and hailed a taxi to the hotel Nathael had booked. The usually hour-long journey felt interminable. Despite the city's sunset glow, Maggie couldn't shake her nervousness.

A few minutes later, unable to resist, she checked her phone.

Is he so convinced I'll show up?

Actually, I don't have to go

No matter his harsh words or threats, Maggie felt a strange certainty that he wouldn't hurt her. But who knew what he might do?

Maggie sighed, pulling out a mirror to touch up her makeup. After a few casual touches, she decided it was unnecessary; she needed a shower first.

Maggie closed her eyes, inexplicably remembering his kiss. In that moment, they'd been intimately close, free to explore each other's secrets. His touch had been cool, his embrace fiery. She'd trembled with nervous resistance, yet involuntarily sunk into a feeling of emptiness.

It wasn't until the car stopped that Maggie sighed, annoyed at herself for her messy thoughts. Finding her room, she nervously took out her key card.

Is Nathael already here?

Is he even here at all?

If he is, what is he doing?

Maggie felt a mix of unease and strange excitement, like a forbidden affair. She felt like she was going crazy, yet compelled to continue down this path of madness.

Just a little nervous and scared.

The lock clicked, the door opening automatically. The room was pitch black. Only when she entered did the lights turn on. The room was empty, everything neatly arranged. Maggie breathed a sigh of relief.

After glancing around, she headed to the bathroom for a shower. She took her time, ensuring every strand of hair was perfect, but Nathael still hadn't arrived.

She plopped onto the plush bed, muttering, "Not very proactive. Making plans and showing up so late."

After a bit of daydreaming, she got up and decided to watch some television. As she settled in, she noticed the array of fine wines in the liquor cabinet.

Maggie's eyes sparkled. She quickly selected a few bottles, pouring herself a taste of each. After trying a few, she grabbed a bottle she liked and began drinking directly from it.

Better to get a little tipsy and not stay so clear-headed.

Maybe if she closed her eyes and opened them again, it would all be over. Plus, there were rumors about Nathael having issues; perhaps he'd be happier if she were a bit drunk. With these thoughts, she took several more sips.

"Cough, cough" She'd drunk too quickly, the liquid burning its way down her throat—hot, spicy, exhilarating. Her fair skin flushed rosy, her clear eyes misted. The light pink silk nightgown accentuated her beauty.

After more than half the bottle, Maggie felt slightly dizzy, but still relatively clear-headed. Unsure of her alcohol tolerance, she tilted her head, deciding to open another bottle.

Just then, the doorbell rang, startling her. The glass and bottle in her hand clinked, nearly falling. "Who? Who?"

Maggie straightened, glancing towards the entrance.

Is it him?

Doesn't he have a key card? What's going on?

The doorbell rang again. Maggie swallowed nervously, setting down her glass and slowly walking to the door. She listened to the sounds outside before letting out a long sigh of relief. She peeked through the peephole.

"May I help you?" Maggie asked, opening the door to a hotel staff member.

"Miss, this is the gift you ordered. Everything is brand new and has been cleaned and disinfected as per your request," the staff member said warmly. Maggie was stunned, her gaze falling on the rolling clothes rack the staff member was pushing. There were clothes on the rack, but they were covered by a black dust cover.

"But I didn't order anything," Maggie said.

"Perhaps it's a gift from that gentleman. Please sign for it," the staff member suggested.

Thinking about it, it was possible. Maggie signed the receipt.

"I'll help you take it inside," the staff member offered.

The staff member wheeled the rack inside. Maggie stood, propping up her head, and circled the rack, examining it.

What is it?

A gift? For me?

A few minutes later, Maggie, unable to contain her curiosity, tore off the dust cover. The sight that greeted her nearly stole her breath.