Chapter 184: Always Her Safe Harbor

Upon hearing this, Maggie froze, her eyes fixed on Nathael in amazement. "You have the original manuscript of Torvalan's Moonlit Citadel?"

"Yes," Nathael replied, his intense gaze meeting hers.

Mia chuckled lightly, suppressing a cough. "Looks like this party will go on for a while. Maggie, why don't you spend the night here?" Maggie, snapping back to reality, shot Mia a confused look.

Listening to the conversation, Beth felt a surge of anger and frustration. So, Nathael had the original music score? And he was just going to give it to Maggie? What was the point of her efforts tonight?

Maggie's eyes fell on Beth's almost contorted face. A twinge of regret pierced her as she glanced at the wine-soaked manuscript. Sighing, she said, "What a shame, but I guess you won't mind, Ms. Bray."

"Maggie, don't get ahead of yourself!" Beth snapped, her red eyes turning to Nathael. "He's being used! You'll regret this sooner or later!" Nathael's eyes betrayed impatience. He gripped Maggie's wrist tightly. "If I can't make her fall in love with me, it's because I'm not good enough."

Maggie stared at him, stunned. The dazzling hall lights reflected off his handsome, stern face, making him seem even more radiant. Before she could fully process this, Nathael took her wrist and led her toward a side corridor.

Maggie stumbled, quickly catching up. "When did you get back? Were you here when you called?" she asked as they walked.

"Yes, I just landed," Nathael said gently, his tone more patient.

They paused in the corridor. Maggie gave him a disapproving look. "You liar! Why didn't you tell me? Didn't I ask you not to rush?"

Though pleased, Maggie felt annoyed, especially considering his injury. She wasn't sure how he'd healed so quickly.

"Nana, I missed you," Nathael said softly, pulling her into an embrace.

Maggie was lost in thought, enjoying the name. Having used "Maggie" for so many years, she found it hard to adapt. That name was given to her by the Camerons, and it bore the mark of deception and pain. But "Nana" was different. Associated with beautiful memories from a few short years, it was used only by those closest to her.

Maggie remained silent, wrapping her arms around his waist and murmuring, "I missed you too."

The dim corridor light illuminated her bright face, her twinkling eyes reflecting his shadow. Nathael, unable to resist his emotions, lifted her waist and kissed her. Maggie closed her eyes without hesitation. The thought of Lucas's photos and memories of her past prompted her to hug him tighter.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the party, Beth and Emma left with dejected expressions after Nathael whisked Maggie away. Leo watched Maggie's departure, his expression calm and inscrutable.

Mia nudged him. "Want a smoke?"

"Let's go," Leo replied, turning away.

They silently headed to the terrace. Mia took out a cigarette, offering one to Leo before lighting one for herself.

"I made an extra thirty million today. I'll invest it in the company you and Maggie own. Same rules—a third each."

Mia leaned against the railing, admiring the night. The cool autumn breeze was refreshing.

Leo stood behind her, his usual grace diminished as he held the cigarette. The smoke seemed to accentuate the coldness in his eyes. "What's wrong? Bad mood?" Mia asked, without turning.

"Nothing," Leo replied calmly.

Mia laughed. "I don't get you. You've waited so long for Maggie. Why haven't you told her how you feel?"

Leo's eyes were chilly and transparent, the color faint, like delicate glass. "In this world, not everyone gets their wish."

Chapter 184: Always Her Safe Harbor

All he wanted was to stand by her side. She could pursue her desires and love whomever she wished; he would always be her safe harbor, unless he died.

Mia's gaze wandered, silent. Leo had always pampered Maggie. Perhaps, even if she wished for death, he'd hand her the knife without changing his expression.

I just don't understand If I want something, I'll seize it.

After finishing her cigarette, Mia put it out and turned toward the banquet hall. "I'm off. Something to attend to." If problems didn't come to her, she'd find them. Life was fleeting; she couldn't waste time.

Leo remained where he was. His expression returned to its usual gentle yet distant coldness, suppressing a hint of defiance.

Mia returned to the banquet hall, downed a glass of wine, and scanned the crowd. Ericko's here. It might be inconvenient for Maggie to ask him for anything, given the strained relationship between the Camerons and Adams. But I'm different—I have no grievances with the Adams! Besides, he's so handsome and refined, and he always buttons his shirt to the top.

Shortly after, Mia ran into Ericko, who was being approached by Emma. He wore a white shirt, a silver-gray waistcoat, and no jacket. The top button of his shirt was fastened, as Mia expected. His demeanor was polite and gentle, exuding charm.

Emma looked nervously at Ericko, her cheeks flushing. Though he'd never embarrassed her, he'd never given her hope either.

"Ericko, I got you this fountain pen. Please accept it. You may have heard about the auction, but please don't misunderstand. Ignore Mia's ramblings; she's crazy," Emma said cautiously, a glimmer of hope in her eyes.