Chapter 163: Cousins

At the family gathering, Ronald announced, "The goods from Mr. Lewis arrive at the port the day after tomorrow, and we're having a celebration for Luster Corporation this evening."

Maggie frowned. "A celebration?"

Ronald chuckled. "Maggie, I forgot to mention: we've had a huge number of high-end jewelry pre-orders since the company launched, and even our regular products are selling well."

"Really? That sounds like a huge success!" Maggie exclaimed happily.

Olivia added excitedly, "Mrs. Harris and Old Madam Harris placed several orders. Once they were there, other prominent families followed, and orders skyrocketed!"

The mention of the Harrises made Maggie think of Nathael. He'd promised to help increase her orders, and he had.

"Maggie, is this connected to Nathael? His family's involvement is a big deal," Ronald said, clearly pleased.

Joseph's expression darkened at the mention of Nathael.

Maggie shook her head. "Dad, I've been abroad. I don't know the details, and I haven't discussed it with Nathael. I think it's our excellent designs and the relocation that attracted the Harrises. It's our achievement."

Maggie didn't want to take credit. If the truth came out and they faced high compensation costs, she didn't want the blame. But she knew suspicion might still fall on her—all thanks to Joseph! If he hadn't found the access card and confronted her, her relationship with Nathael would have remained secret, and she'd have avoided this whole situation.

Dismissing her worries as futile, Maggie acknowledged that every situation has its advantages and disadvantages. Things rarely go exactly as planned.

Ronald nodded approvingly. "Regardless, it's excellent news. If we secure a strong position in the jewelry market, we can gradually shift the family's focus to this industry." The Camerons were clearly elated by their early success.

Maggie smiled, but a chill lingered in her eyes. She wondered if their smiles would last.

Later, after leaving the Cameron residence with Luens, both were relaxed. Maggie couldn't resist ruffling Lucas's hair. He'd grown so tall she had to tiptoe to reach it.

"You've grown so tall," she remarked.

Lucas grinned. "Perfect height."

"Don't get cocky!" Maggie laughed, her irritation easing with Lucas's return. She took him to one of his favorite restaurants. Over dinner, they talked. "Any future plans?"

"Just going with the flow. Uncle Ronald won't let me join the company," Lucas replied, his expression cool and detached.

As a child, Lucas had felt the Camerons were kind, but he couldn't bring himself to like them. He'd even blamed himself for being ungrateful. Growing up, he realized their kindness was a facade, a ploy to control his inheritance. He'd always felt awkward about it, but for Maggie's words, he might still be struggling with this.

"You should join the company," Maggie said firmly. "If you're going to be idle, why not join? Once you're on their turf, they have to treat you properly."

"Maggie, what are you planning?" Lucas asked, looking quizzically at her.

"Messing things up," she replied mischievously.

Lucas was a computer genius; joining Cameron Group would give him access to secrets. His aimless time made him an unsuspecting source of information.

"Your parents left you considerable wealth. This is what rightfully belongs to you. Some was fraudulently transferred to Ronald's name, and even if you reclaim it, nobody would take orders from you," Maggie said, handing him documents.

Lucas was momentarily lost in thought; tears welled in his eyes. As a child, while his grandparents were ill, he'd lived with the Camerons. Maggie had been genuinely kind to him, unlike Joseph, who gave him unwanted toys or ignored his knee injury. She remembered his parents' death anniversaries, knew his preferences, and understood his fears. To Lucas, Maggie was more than a cousin. She forged signatures on his report cards, bought him medicine, and comforted him when he cried. She gave him robots, cars, and planes to build, noticed when his clothes didn't fit, and always offered comfort. To Lucas, Maggie was a sister. The Cameron household, once a cage, had become warm because of her. He didn't care for the Camerons, but he cared deeply for Maggie. He'd tried to like them, but only now saw their true colors. Their mistreatment of him and using Maggie as a pawn was ridiculous.

"But Uncle is cautious and suspicious. He won't give me a chance," Lucas murmured.

Maggie smiled. "If he won't, just ask him. You've returned from studying abroad and are struggling. What's wrong with your uncle taking care of you?"