Chapter 15: You Are the Best
Nathael was momentarily stunned, his black eyes fixed on her; his Adam's apple bobbed slightly. The woman, elegant and breathtaking, regarded him with a serious yet tender expression, as if it were her sincerest wish.
Nathael couldn't articulate his emotions. Even though he knew it wasn't real, his heart inexplicably warmed.
He chuckled coldly. "Don't think I'll fall for this."
Maggie simply smiled, offering no explanation. In her heart, however, a tinge of regret and wonder pricked at her: Is he really not falling for it? Does he know about the incident where we were photographed entering and leaving the hotel suite together?
A moment later, Maggie recalled the incident.
"What's the matter? Worried it might tarnish your reputation?" Nathael asked, his voice deep and serious.
Maggie avoided his gaze, whispering, "No, I just wanted to remind you to be cautious. Someone might use this incident against you."
"Isn't that what you want?" He spoke coldly, the corners of his eyes lifting slightly, his deep gaze tinged with mockery.
Maggie was momentarily stunned, realizing he might have heard about the Camerons' planned press conference. But if so, why had he helped her today? She didn't understand, just as she didn't understand why, in her past life, she had hurt him so deeply, yet he still risked his life to save her.
But it didn't matter. Maggie smiled, raising her red lips. "That's true. So, Mr. Harris, what's your plan?"
Nathael stared at her, his gaze scrutinizing. She seemed different, changed from before.
The moonlight was enchanting. Nathael chuckled, unable to resist, and lit a cigarette, holding it in his mouth. "Mutual consent. You're an adult. Presumably, you understand this principle."
Maggie was taken aback. He hadn't denied what happened that night; he'd deliberately misled her, making her think they had been intimate. Her eyes widened in surprise.
"Mr. Harris, did we really sleep together?" Maggie asked, feeling confused. She vividly remembered Nathael saying he hadn't touched her, but back then, she hadn't believed him. But now?
In the dim light, looking at his mist-shrouded faceโboth roguish and coldโMaggie fell into contemplation. No. In her past life, Nathael had no reason to deceive her. Besides the headache from drinking, she felt nothing else. Tsk. He was quite the actor.
Realizing this, Maggie raised an eyebrow, giving Nathael a once-over, her gaze filled with disdain.
Nathael narrowed his eyes. "What's the matter?" he asked in a deep voice.
Maggie casually averted her gaze, sighing. "It's nothing. I just thought appearances can be deceiving. Mr. Harris" She paused, hesitating, finding it difficult to continue.
Nathael's cigarette paused between his fingers as he waited.
"Mr. Harris, you don't seem to perform very well," Maggie muttered, her words tinged with complaint.
Alex, who had been pretending to be oblivious, heard this. He hesitated on the accelerator, causing the car to sway.
Oh my goodness! Was this the kind of information he got for free?
Nathael chuckled in exasperation. He seemed to have dug himself into a hole.
"Say that again!" Nathael's eyes were intense, his words squeezed out through clenched teeth.
Maggie decided to backtrack. She narrowed her eyes, speaking gently, "I meant to say that you're amazing, truly amazing! You should have confidence in yourself. You're the best!" Her eyes sparkled withโobviously insincereโadmiration. It was so fake, yet it left him speechless.
Nathael and Alex remained silent. The car ride was quiet. Alex circled the residential area multiple times, his ears perked up, listening for any movement in the back seat. Finally, he opened the partition, breathed a sigh of relief, and drove into the area.
Nathael's eyes drooped slightly; his expression was unclear, but a faint irritation was evident. Soon, the car stopped, and Nathael got out.
Maggie looked at the familiar yet unfamiliar courtyard, realizing she had followed him home. She was stunned.
Just as she was about to leave, Alex's phone rang. "Ms. Adam, Mr. Harris invites you in," he said.
Maggie looked toward the gate, hesitating. On a personal level, she wanted to stay. In her previous life, even though they shared a bed for years, she never truly understood him. This time, she wanted to get to know him, understand him, and protect him.
However, she wasn't sure if her changed attitude was the reason for his different treatment. In her previous life, he'd seemed more like an upright gentleman.
She struggled internally. She feared she might not be able to resist him. The dark desire in his eyes didn't seem fake.
After a few seconds, she followed him inside. In her previous life, Nathael had endured years of sharing a bed with her without touching her. She should believe him. Moreover, she was afraid he wouldn't believe her about the Camerons' press conference.
After Maggie went upstairs, Nathael unbuttoned two buttons on his shirt. Hearing the movement, he glanced at her. "You don't seem satisfied with that night," he said in a deep voice.
Maggie blinked. "You're much stronger!"
At her words, Nathael's gaze sharpened, growing colder and more intense. He tugged at his lips, approached her, and spoke in a low voice, "It seems like you have a lot of experience."
Maggie forced a dry laugh, taking two steps back, regretting her vulnerability. She must have owed him a lot in her previous life!
"Well, it was just average," Maggie modestly replied. Before she could step back further, her wrist was grabbed, and she was pulled toward him. Nathael's large hand gripped her wrist tightly.
"Mr. Harris"
Nathael's eyes held a hint of darkness. He squeezed out a few words through clenched teeth, "Who took you to find those people?"
"Huh?"
"Did you have fun, huh?" His voice was cold and stern. His eyes seemed to devour her.
"Well, it was quite enjoyable," Maggie swallowed hard, her throat tightening. She didn't understand his thought process but felt the tension in his forehead. His dark expression was intimidating.
"Ouch!"
His grip tightened; Maggie winced, attempting to evade. It felt as if her bones were about to be crushed.
Nathael stared at her for a long time. Then, he suddenly let go, chuckled coldly, and said, "If you don't want Joseph to be ruined, you better not provoke my anger again."