Chapter 16: Can We Start Over?

Maggie blinked, confused. She hadn't done anything to upset him! However, as she considered his threat to ruin Joseph, a glimmer of anticipation and excitement appeared in her eyes. She wanted to see it happen. She truly desired Joseph's downfall. What was he but worthless trash? She wished for his ruin to come sooner!

But Nathael didn't understand. He wouldn't believe her, even if she told him. Maggie felt helpless and struggled to contain herself. Enduring hardship and bitterness wasn't something anyone should have to experience. But ultimately, she approached him, blinking cautiously and asking, "Really?"

Nathael looked at her intently, inexplicably sensing her excitement. But he thought he might be overthinking; her expression should have been worried about Joseph. In reality, Maggie was rubbing her hands together in anticipation.

Could Joseph truly be ruined? Would angering Nathael lead to Joseph's downfall? Could such a fortunate event actually occur? Even pondering it, Maggie dared not genuinely anger Nathael. After all, she feared him, even from her past life. Although he was indulgent towards her, he would find a way to punish her if truly angered.

Maggie's mood plummeted. In her past life, she had ruined her face and lost her sight; Nathael couldn't bear to touch her. She constantly worried about Ronald, Joseph, and Sierra, often angering him, and he used them as bargaining chips. Looking back, she realized how foolish and ridiculous she had been.

Thinking of those "family members" who professed their love and reflecting on Nathael's efforts for her, Maggie felt a bitter smile tug at her lips. She couldn't imagine his feelings when, knowing the truth, he still provided benefits to the Camerons to ensure they showed her concern. Remembering her earlier joy and anticipation, Maggie wanted to slap herself.

In the past, she had wholeheartedly supported Joseph. Now, however, he no longer understood her.

Nathael withdrew his gaze, suppressing the urge to strangle her, and coldly said, "Get out."

Maggie couldn't respond. He was angry. Why was he so easily angered? Dejected, she looked down. Regaining his trust seemed a long and arduous journey.

Nathael suppressed his anger, afraid of losing control. He walked to the bathroom, his face stern, intending to take a cold shower to calm down. He closed his eyes irritably; his mind was in turmoil. She always had a way of making him lose control.

Maggie caught up with him, subconsciously grabbing his clothes. Her lips were slightly pursed. Looking at him pitifully, she whispered, "I know I was wrong." She realized she had never truly apologized for her past actions. Whether he understood or not

"I'm sorry." Her eyes were red, her gaze severe and stubborn.

Nathael frowned, thinking she was apologizing for Joseph. But seeing her tear-filled eyes, another voice in his heart contradicted this. His lips were slightly pursed. He looked at her with dark eyes and asked hoarsely, "What did you do wrong?"

Seeing his willingness to listen, Maggie's eyes lit up. With red-rimmed eyes, she whispered, "I shouldn't have treated you like that before," referring to both her past life and before her rebirth. But she wondered if it was too late for some things.

Her answer surprised Nathael, like a stone dropped into a calm lake. Was it for Joseph? The question formed on his lips, but he held back, afraid the answer wouldn't be what he wanted. For now, he would hold onto a little illusion.

Unsure of his thoughts, she heard him say, "Maggie, it's hard not to suspect you have hidden motives."

Nathael then went to the bathroom.

Maggie sat on the sofa, feeling defeated, wronged, and sad. More than anything, she was upset because she knew it was all her fault.

She sighed, noticing a half-bottle of imported wine on the coffee table. Feeling upset, she picked it up and took several large gulps. The intense, spicy sensation spread from her lips and tongue, igniting like fireworks in her stomach. She felt an indescribable sense of relief and took two more gulps. Perhaps she drank too quickly, as she choked, coughed, and her face flushed.

Feeling better, Maggie decided to leave; Nathael didn't seem to want her around. Even though she owed him, she was a woman of principles! She put the bottle back, walked to the bathroom door, and lightly knocked. "Mr. Harris, I'm going home."

Without waiting for a response, Maggie left. Due to the amount she’d already consumed at the banquet and the wine she'd just drunk, she soon felt dizzy and her vision blurred. She shook her head.

She hadn't gone far when she felt a wave of darkness and the world spun. She leaned against the sofa, intending to leave to avoid Nathael misinterpreting her actions. But her legs felt heavy, as if filled with lead.

She reached for her phone to call Mia for a ride but a long, slender hand took her phone and ended the call.

Maggie frowned, staring at the man in front of her with accusing eyes. Her lips pouted slightly as she said, "You're bullying me."

Nathael, his hair partially dry, wore dark blue pajamas. He glanced at the wine bottle and sighed, then leaned down to lift her.

Maggie snuggled contentedly in his arms, extended her hand, pinched her thumb and little finger together, and whispered, "Your heart is only this small." "Hmm," Nathael responded nonchalantly.

Maggie's eyelids grew heavy. She softly murmured, "Can we start over?"