Chapter 141: What Do You Want to Hear?

Maggie hesitated, sensing swirling emotions in his dark eyes. Understanding his words, she covered his mouth, irritated. "Don't bring that up!"

Nathael's eyes crinkled at the corners, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "Why?" he asked, his voice deep.

Maggie's eyes were misty. Changing the subject, she asked, "Mr. Harris, are you happy now?"

This time, she'd messed up! If Nathael dared say no again, she feared she might scratch his handsome face.

Nathael gently pinched her earlobe, a hint of a smile in his eyes. "Yeah," he replied casually.

Maggie sniffled, her eyes reddening. "What about Shawn and the Camerons?" she pressed, looking at him.

Nathael lowered his gaze, then glanced at her. "I'll help you get more orders for the Camerons," he said slowly.

Hmm? He was so easy to talk to. He hadn't blamed her; he was even helping.

Maggie was taken aback, casting a skeptical glance at him. "Are you serious?"

"Sure. Anything else you want?" Nathael's dark eyes locked onto hers, his voice low and calm.

Happiness surprised her; she wondered if he had a hidden agenda. After all, he had a shady side and wasn't usually so easy to deal with.

As Maggie considered his words, her mind raced, trying to determine what to ask for. Her eyes darted around as she cautiously suggested, "How about you help me get some construction and real estate orders from the Camerons?" After the Herschire Cultural Park setback, the Camerons had lost government contracts, damaging their reputation and costing them many deals. But as an established company, they were still a good option for ordinary people—people who valued quality, affordability, and a trustworthy brand.

Despite their previous high standing, Ronald had quickly slashed prices for small orders after the incident, successfully landing several regular contracts. Maggie admired his decisive nature.

After losing the Herschire Cultural Park project, the Camerons had extra materials. Whether used or not, these would be helpful with more orders, helping to cut losses. Their reputation had suffered among prominent families, so they'd shifted to a more people-friendly approach, mitigating losses.

However, Maggie believed the Camerons had shortcomings in their construction practices, but she lacked the time to investigate. Based on past experience, they had a history of taking shortcuts. While Ronald hadn't grown suspicious of her, he hadn't granted her access to the inner circle responsible for purchasing building materials. Coupled with her busy schedule, she hadn't been able to probe further.

"Okay," Nathael responded in a low tone.

Maggie blinked, finding him too agreeable. "Seriously? You're this easy to talk to?"

Nathael smiled. "Yep, just trying to keep you happy," he said in a deep voice.

For a few seconds, Maggie was stunned, warmth flooding her ears and her cheeks flushing slightly. He'd agreed so readily; should she respond?

Her gaze sincere, she said earnestly, "Mr. Harris, you're kind-hearted."

Nathael was speechless. He hadn't expected the "good person" card, but he saw through it. Maggie was targeting the Camerons.

Initially, he'd thought it was a tactic—feigned vulnerability or a ploy for leverage. But now, it was clear she left no room for maneuver.

"Does the Camerons family treat you badly?" Nathael asked slowly.

He'd already begun to unravel the truth by instructing Alex to reinvestigate the Camerons, but he felt compelled to ask her himself.

Maggie chuckled wryly. "If you're asking if they treat me poorly, it's not entirely accurate. They've provided me with a luxurious life, and they haven't mistreated me."

Even if much was pretense, she wouldn't have had this life if she'd stayed in the orphanage—unlike Vanessa. At least everything she ate, wore, and used made Vanessa envious.

Nathael waited for her to continue.

Maggie withdrew her thoughts and smiled. "But these 'good things' come with conditions. They give you one thing, but expect tenfold in return. Refuse, and they'll squeeze every last drop of your value."

Nathael frowned, noticing her nonchalant demeanor, but feeling a knot in his chest. He'd thought she was only getting close to him to plot against him for Joseph and the Camerons, but he hadn't imagined their treatment of her.

He said nothing until, after a long while, his deep voice broke the silence. "My bad."

Maggie blinked, confused. "Huh?"

Nathael didn't explain. His gaze grew somber. If he'd investigated earlier, perhaps she wouldn't have suffered so much.

Without waiting for a response, Maggie blurted out, "Nathael, do you dislike me?"

She was good at scheming, held grudges, and had a bad temper. She stared into his usually cool eyes, which always made her feel cared for. Her heart tightened, feeling jittery. She knew she hadn't treated him well in her past life, yet he'd stayed. But that was different. Perhaps amidst their confrontations, he'd disliked her too.

Nathael was quiet for a moment, then replied, "Nah, not at all."

Maggie was caught off guard but smiled—a bright, lovely smile.

Seeing him unusually serious, she teased, "No, what?"

Nathael placed her on the bed, leaning in close, his gaze intense. "Maggie, what do you want to hear?"

Maggie's throat tightened. What did she want to hear? She wasn't sure, but she knew…

She hadn't finished when the doorbell rang, making her jump. But then she reasoned: Who had the right to dictate her actions? Even if she wanted to sleep with Nathael, it was nobody else's business.