Chapter 178: Love Could Change

Two evenings after the Cameron family's troubles fueled local gossip, an auction commenced at an Aquapolis auction house. Maggie and Mia arrived and briefly surveyed the items. Since the event hadn't officially begun, all items were displayed in transparent cases, professionally lit and securely locked.

Maggie and Mia walked around the hall. After confirming the auction included the music score and vintage fan Maggie desired, they sought better seats. However, they encountered a familiar face after taking only a few steps.

Beth, in a pink asymmetrical dress and holding a wine glass, was directing someone while glancing at the display cases. Upon seeing Maggie, Beth's demeanor noticeably cooled.

At that moment, Emma rushed over. "Beth, I spotted a pen I think Ericko would like. Please reserve it for me."

Beth initially remained silent, and Emma realized her mistake upon seeing Beth's gaze shift to Maggie and Mia.

"Oh, look. The Camerons' princess has graced us with her presence amidst their difficulties. I wonder if the Camerons will ever repay their debts," Emma sneered, her sarcasm palpable. Her shoulder-length hair gave her a chic appearance.

Maggie smirked and retorted, "Ms. Holland, you seem to worry excessively for your age. No wonder you appear more mature than your peers."

Emma's anger flared. "Maggie, you're just a foster daughter of the Camerons. They're on the verge of bankruptcy, yet you still have the audacity to say such things here?"

Unperturbed, Maggie met Emma's gaze with a slight smile. "Even if the Camerons are facing problems, it's still better than the Hollands, who've been reduced to begging for the past few years. Do you think the Hollands have made a comeback? Or do you believe being a trophy wife, with achievements bought with money, secures your future?"

Emma, trembling with fury, nearly lost her composure. Maggie maintained her smile, her eyes filled with open disdain and mockery. Her expression infuriated Emma.

Mia raised an eyebrow, scrutinizing Emma. Then, seemingly to add fuel to the fire, she kindly advised, "But seriously, Ms. Holland, you need to improve your taste. With your eye for things, Ericko won't appreciate your gifts."

Emma's face paled then flushed, feeling her deepest insecurities exposed. Mia, however, maintained a sincere expression, as if offering genuine advice.

Chapter 178: Love Could Change (continued)

"Ms. Adam, you're sharp-tongued, and you even brought a good helper. But I advise you not to go too far," Beth warned, pulling Emma to her side and giving Maggie a stern look. "Why?" Maggie asked, smiling.

After a pause, she continued provocatively, "Ms. Bray, are you angry? Are you upset? But what can you do when Nathael has already chosen me over you? Isn't that right?" Her smile was both mocking and arrogant.

Beth, normally composed, felt her anger rise. She had never encountered such a shameless woman.

"Emma, let's go," Beth said darkly, and left with Emma without further retort.

Maggie and Mia watched them leave. Mia, sporting red nail polish, finished her champagne with a bored expression. "How lame. They're leaving already."

Maggie's eyes deepened as she said slowly, "A barking dog seldom bites. Someone like Beth is dangerous."

Maggie then called Leo. "Leo, there's been a change of plans. I think you need to come. I ran into Beth, and knowing her, she'll probably compete with me," Maggie said coolly.

She had initially come because Kevin Dunphy's birthday was approaching. Kevin was the piano teacher Leo had introduced her to; over the years, he had generously shared his knowledge with her. To Maggie, Kevin was like family.

She and Leo had learned of a piano composition by the renowned pianist Torvalan that was for sale at the auction. While not an original manuscript, it was considered authentic. Although not directly signed by Torvalan, it was traced onto paper beneath his genuine manuscript, which bore the imprint of his pen. These faint imprints, along with occasional ink seepage, were meticulously replicated, giving it an air of authenticity.

While Maggie preferred Torvalan's lost genuine manuscript, this replicated version, tracing his actual handwriting, held significant value. With Kevin's birthday approaching, Maggie intended to bid on it as a gift, along with a personalized brooch she had made. She also planned to buy an antique fan rumored to be painted by a famous Victorian artist.

But Beth's reaction made Maggie realize that if Beth learned of her plans, she would likely try to sabotage them. Therefore, she called Leo, someone with no apparent connection to her, to intervene.

"Mia, what items did the Gatlins submit for auction this time?" Maggie asked, hanging up.

"An azure porcelain vase," Mia replied. Sensing Maggie's gaze, she shivered.

Chapter 178: Love Could Change (continued)

Why do I have a feeling that Maggie's up to something again?

Maggie pondered. That's perfect. The market for azure porcelain is booming, so the price wouldn't be cheap. It would be a good opportunity to outwit Beth and help Mr. Gatlin make a big profit.

While Maggie contemplated, she and Mia took their seats.

Twenty minutes before the auction began, Maggie's phone rang. She expected it to be Leo, but it was Nathael. He had just landed, and his first action was to call Maggie. "Where are you?"

"At the auction," Maggie said, giving him the address without hesitation. "Are you done with work?"

"Yeah," Nathael replied casually, glancing at the Aquapolis night view as he deplaned. Perhaps because he was closer, he found Aquapolis' nights more beautiful than those abroad.

"It's about to start. I'll video call you later," Maggie said warmly, as she had been frequently video chatting with him to check on his injuries.

"No need. I have something to do later," Nathael said.

Maggie frowned but remained silent. Has he gotten injured again? But did this jerk actually reject me? It's true that love could change!