Chapter 175: Be Cautious in Trusting Others

Reporters swarmed the entrance to the Camerons' estate as Ronald was being transported to the ambulance, their cameras flashing relentlessly. Despite the efforts of the Cameron family's drivers and security personnel, they struggled to contain the press. The estate's property management team provided timely assistance, preventing the family from being trapped inside their home. Maggie waited outside the hospital for a long time, finally going home to rest only after she was assured Ronald was not in serious danger, suffering only from acute stress.

She slept until afternoon, but a phone call woke her before she’d had enough rest.

"Maggie, a client specifically requested your expertise for a meeting."

Groggy from sleep, Maggie brushed aside her unkempt hair and hoarsely asked, "Which project?"

"It's a villa, and the client specifically requested you."

Sensing her hesitation, the caller spoke more gently.

Regaining her composure, Maggie replied, "Fine, I'll arrive in thirty minutes."

She was surprised that, given the recent turmoil with the Camerons, clients were still seeking her design services. While the villa renovation wasn't a large project in her view, her affiliation with the Camerons’ business made her feel obligated to accept the commission when specifically requested. Maggie quickly prepared and drove to Milware Design.

Milware Design, a branch of the Cameron enterprise, might have been small, but it had established a niche for itself with upscale designs, undertaking multi-million-dollar projects. Despite the Camerons' initial hesitation to give her a leading role, Maggie's domestic and international accolades and impeccable reputation secured her the position of head designer. The company leveraged her relative freedom as a selling point to attract clients.

Half an hour later, Maggie, in a beige suit, arrived punctually at Milware Design. Likely due to the previous day's events, the floor was almost entirely occupied by Milware employees; few clients were present, and those who were seemed to be canceling orders.

Maggie silently assessed the situation, concluding the impact on the Camerons was even more significant than she'd anticipated—a favorable development, in her view. Redirecting her attention, she went to Milware's reception room.

A receptionist was showing a young man Milware's design portfolio, explaining things in a gentle voice. As Maggie entered, the receptionist stood, greeting her with, "Maggie, you're here."

Maggie nodded, then turned to the client. She paused upon recognizing him—a pale, slender young man radiating a gentle, youthful vulnerability.

It's him.

What's his name again?

The name returned to her: Timothy Yonathan.

"Hello, Maggie," Timothy greeted her with a warm smile.

"Hello, Mr. Yonathan," Maggie replied.

Noticing their familiarity, the receptionist remarked, "No wonder he was so adamant about meeting you," before discreetly leaving the room.

Maggie was momentarily taken aback, remembering her previous conversation with Timothy and the friend he'd mentioned.

Now seated across from him, Maggie composedly asked, "Mr. Yonathan, is there a house you need renovated?"

Timothy, in a casual white shirt that highlighted his lean frame, looked pale, perhaps unwell. His skin had the faint pallor of someone who hadn't seen much sun, yet his eyes shone with an intense, almost sunlike brilliance, radiating innocence and purity.

Timothy smiled gently. "You can call me Timothy or Tim. I made a special trip to meet you today."

Maggie nodded.

Reminiscing about their previous encounter, Maggie couldn't resist asking, "Did the model you mentioned last time break again?"

Timothy laughed, amused by her slightly anxious question.

"Have you lost something?" he then asked with genuine concern, his gaze soft and non-threatening, stirring a protective feeling in her.

"What could I have lost?" Maggie whispered, her mind racing.

After a brief pause, Timothy placed a red bracelet on the coffee table. Maggie was startled; her eyes lit up with fleeting happiness.

The bracelet, purchased with Nathael, had been a source of distress since its loss.

Maggie picked up the bracelet, her surprise evident. "Thank you! Where did you find it?"

"After leaving last time, I realized a piece of the model was missing, so I returned. Surprisingly, I found this red bracelet near the missing fragment. It's yours, isn't it?" Timothy said uncertainly.

A lump formed in Maggie's throat. She nodded. "Yes, it's mine. Thank you."

The joy of recovering something thought lost, especially something as sentimental as the bracelet matching Nathael's, was immense.

Seeing her confirmation, Timothy's smile widened. "I'm glad it's rightfully returned to you."

"So, returning the bracelet was the reason you sought me out?" Maggie asked.

"Partially. I tried to reach you using the number you gave, but it was always out of service. By chance, I needed design work for a suite and found your profile online, leading me here," Timothy affirmed.

Maggie was surprised.

Out of service?

She was sure she'd saved Timothy's number correctly.

Checking her phone, she found no missed calls, but noticed Timothy's number was on her blocked calls list.

Feeling slightly embarrassed, she touched her nose. She wondered why Timothy's number was blocked, making it seem like she'd deliberately ignored him.

With composure, Maggie unblocked Timothy's number, remarking, "This call-blocking feature seems unreliable."

Timothy smiled. "It might be because my number's been registered overseas for a long time, and a friend once used it to apply for a loan."

Maggie was surprised.

"For a loan?"

Timothy's smile faded slightly, but he maintained his composure. "Yes, a classmate used it for some…illegal dealings, which compromised my personal information."

Maggie was speechless, the complexity of the situation hitting her. It reminded her of the bitter reality of betrayal by someone close.

After a pause, Maggie looked earnestly at Timothy. "Be more careful with whom you place your trust in the future."

Meeting her gaze with clear, innocent eyes, Timothy smiled gently. "Regardless, that's all behind me now."