Chapter 164: Provocation

Lucas seemed to understand something in Maggie's words and pondered seriously. Maggie opened the gift box he'd given her and looked inside. It was a limited-edition BJD doll, expensive and rare, designed by her favorite childhood designer. Her gaze softened. Lucas had chosen a traditional-style, limited-edition doll, dressed in gorgeous imperial attire; it was slightly chubbier than other models, but all the more adorable for it.

As a child, she'd admired this brand from afar because the famous designer used real diamonds and jewels, making them incredibly expensive. Prices reaching tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars had deterred her. She'd always known that no matter how well the Camerons treated her, she wouldn't indulge in such costly whims as Sierra did. "The Camerons' support was a great kindness in itself; there was no need for them to pay for her fancies."

But perhaps a young girl's fondness is hard to hide. After Sierra found out, she bought over a dozen dolls, simply to flaunt them. She even purposely lost two and pinned them on Marrie, accusing her of theft. Her cherished hobby became a trivial farce to Sierra, something to mock and ridicule.

As she grew up, Maggie's desire for such things waned; neither jewelry nor antiques held her interest. However, receiving something she cherished, sent across an ocean, stirred deep emotions within her. She gently touched the hairpin atop the doll's head. Her eyes moistened, and she said, "It's beautifully done; thank you."

Lucas chuckled. "Of course. When I'm rich, I'll buy the whole design team for you, and they can make dolls for you every day at home!"

Maggie laughed. He pinched his cheek and said, "Look at you! All grown up!"

By the time Maggie got home, it was evening. Still thinking about Andy, she quickly opened Twitter to find his account. She stared thoughtfully at his profile, wondering how to dissuade him from joining Luster Corporation. His tweets were provocative:

"My designs are hot! Challenge me if you dare! Copycats calling themselves designers now? I can draw better with my foot than your work!" These postings went on and on.

Scrolling through his account, she realized this design genius was quite the rebellious youth. His youthful appearance and defiant demeanor attracted a large following. Maggie massaged her temples, surprised by Andy's headstrong personality. He was two years younger than her. This guy was a handful.

After a moment, she called Ericko. "How are things? Can you convince Andy to join the Adam Group?"

Ericko's warm voice replied, "I've sent people to invite him twice, but he refused without discussion."

"And the Camerons? How did Joseph manage to convince him?" Maggie closed her eyes, trying to recall how, in her previous life, the Camerons had managed to recruit this difficult man. It didn't make sense that the Camerons could succeed where the Adams couldn't.

"There's a connection between Joseph's uncle and Andy's father. His dad agreed on his behalf, but Andy himself hasn't budged," Ericko explained.

Maggie had an idea. "Alright, I need you to meet him personally and tell him that Adam Group has a designer named Nana who challenges him."

"Reverse psychology?" Ericko guessed.

"Yes. I'll send you a few designs; take them with you," Maggie said, strategizing.

"It's worth a try, but don't be too optimistic," Ericko said, already printing the designs Maggie sent.

"I know; I have other plans too."

After ending the call, Maggie borrowed Lucas's Twitter account, changing the username to 'Meet Your New Boss_Nana'. She found Andy's profile, followed him, and began bombarding him with private messages:

"Are you the Andy everyone talks about? I heard you're a badass. Dare to face me one-on-one?"

Predictably, she received no response. The messages appeared unread. Maggie wasn't in a rush, knowing Joseph had said Andy would give his answer by tomorrow night. She immediately drafted two more messages:

"I just saw the trash you call design. That's it? You do realize that, even with your scribbles, you're not a match for me!"

"If I hadn't been ill these past few years and missed those crappy competitions, you would have ended up rotten in some village!"

Better than expected, Maggie's provocation immediately elicited a response. Andy exploded upon reading the messages. How could someone be more audacious than him?

"Who the hell are you? Show your face if you dare! I'm dying to see what kind of creature you are! Which gutter did you crawl out of? Name the place! I'll come to beat you down right now!"

Andy furiously sent back a flurry of messages, rage burning through each word. Then he checked the 'Meet Your New Boss_Nana' profile. He found someone even more smug than himself.

Maggie smirked. "I would never hide my identity. I'm Nana Adam, the chief design genius at Adam Group. Scared to confront me at Adam Group, are you? Come on, then! I'll show you who the daddy is. Prepare to kneel and beg to learn from me!"

Andy scoffed. His hand trembled with rage, and he typed, "Adam Group, huh? Just wait for me! I'll make you call me daddy today!"

Maggie arched an eyebrow. She logged off Twitter without replying.

Andy waited fruitlessly for a reply; his patience snapped. He grabbed his jacket and stormed out, intending to confront Nana in person at Adam Group. Just as he reached the lobby, his assistant informed him, "Andy, someone from Adam Group is here to see you."

"Not now!" He stormed off, then spun back around. "Who did you say?"

"Adam Group's CEO, Ericko Adam."

"Where is he? I'll meet him!"

Andy marched into the reception room. His tone was icy. "Does your company employ a designer called Nana? Bring her out! No one dares insult me and live to tell about it. Get her out here now!"

Ericko was shocked, clearly not anticipating Andy's intense reaction. He smiled slightly, curious about what Maggie had done.

"Nana is indeed Adam Group's chief designer. If you wish to meet her, it's not impossible. Simply join Adam Group, and you'll have the chance to meet her in person, seek her guidance, even receive her insights." Ericko's tone was calm and warm, yet his words