Chapter 20: Taking Care of Yourself

Joseph was taken aback. He hadn't expected such a bold statement from Maggie, who had always been accommodating.

"What did you say?"

The usually gentle and polite man suddenly revealed his true nature, angrily grabbing her wrist.

"Mr. Cameron, even though I'm the adopted daughter of the Camerons, you have no right to criticize me," Maggie said, a faint smile playing on her lips. Her cold eyes held a hint of mischievous intrigue, appearing both distant and affectionate.

Unable to break free, she allowed him to hold her, saying nonchalantly, "Since you're neither my boyfriend nor fiancé, it's irrelevant to you whom I associate with, or whether I choose to 'degrade myself.'"

Joseph breathed a sigh of relief. So, she was just throwing a tantrum.

"Maggie, I've told you that once your ties to the Camerons are severed, I will make our relationship public. But it's not the right time yet." Joseph softened his tone, unusually patient.

But something felt different, even though she seemed the same.

"Mr. Cameron seems mistaken. We have nothing to make public," Maggie laughed carelessly. Her face was radiant and captivating.

They had been ambiguously involved for years. He had never expressed his feelings, let alone publicly acknowledged their relationship. She was naive, assuming childhood sweethearts didn't need to verbalize such things. But genuine respect required more.

Maggie wondered if Joseph had ever truly loved her in her previous life. Perhaps he had. But she suspected he enjoyed her adoration more—that he needed a docile, obedient tool. Perhaps he liked her appearance; otherwise, he wouldn't have sought intimacy. Unfortunately, she wasn't willing at the time. As a result, he distanced himself.

Joseph frowned. "Maggie, there's a limit to throwing tantrums. Even if you're upset, you shouldn't—"

Maggie smiled and asked, "But when I was with Nathael, you clearly said you didn't care."

Joseph's frown deepened. "What happened with Nathael wasn't of your own will. It's a different matter."

Maggie nodded, then said, "Let me be clear, Mr. Cameron and I have always been platonic. We've never had a romantic involvement. In the future, please don't associate me with you when you're out."

"Maggie, what do you mean? Do you know what you're doing?" Joseph shouted, angry and confused. He was upset about Nathael, but he also desired wealth and power. Women, he thought, were all the same. But that didn't excuse Maggie's perceived betrayal. Giving her away was one thing; betrayal was another.

"Who was the man last night? What did you do with him?" Joseph dropped the pretense. His handsome face clouded with uncertainty. Maggie curved her lips, whispered in his ear, and laughed, "Of course, it's the kind of thing men and women do together."

Her tone was mocking.

"Maggie!" Joseph shouted, bewildered by her transformation.

Maggie stepped back, laughed, and said, "By the way, I also saw the pictures of you and Vanessa. I wish you a happy marriage and a baby soon."

Joseph was stunned. He hadn't expected her to know about his affair with Vanessa, a woman who had openly seduced him. He'd been in the mood and had some fun.

"How did you know?" Joseph didn't deny it.

Maggie picked up a photo and handed him her phone. The picture showed him kissing Vanessa on a club sofa—boldly, in a public area.

Maggie thought Vanessa was going all out. One must have the ability to succeed, she mused.

"Vanessa sent it to me and made her claim," Maggie lied, intending to implicate Vanessa.

Dissatisfaction flickered in Joseph's eyes. "Maggie, we were just fooling around. She seduced me. I'm a normal man with needs. But my relationship with her was casual. The position of Mrs. Cameron has always been yours."

Maggie scoffed. Disgustingly, he thought she wanted to be Mrs. Cameron. He really thought he was a prince!

"Keep the position of Mrs. Cameron for someone else. I can't handle it. I'm afraid it would shorten my life," Maggie rejected him outright. She thought it fortunate that Nathael was incompetent, at least he had integrity.

"Enough, Mr. Cameron. I won't forget the Camerons' kindness. Considering our childhood friendship, why don't you give me one last gift at the Folklore Festival?"

"What should I give?" Joseph thought he could just buy her off.

"Give me freedom and stay away from me," Maggie said with a smile.

Joseph's face hardened. His patience was gone. "Maggie, you should seriously consider your decision. Given your status, you won't find a better man than me!"

Maggie laughed incredulously. Did he understand the concept of shame?

"No worries, the young men at the Eclipse Club possess exceptional charm, gentleness, thoughtfulness, and sensibility. They are much better than Mr. Cameron," Maggie replied, eyes sparkling.

"Maggie, have you lost your mind?" Joseph shouted, unable to accept her humiliation. He couldn't deny his fondness for her, but she had slept with Nathael, and the Camerons would never allow their marriage. It was impossible, yet he still felt for her.

Maggie smiled. "Mr. Cameron, take care of yourself."

She left. Joseph said coldly, "Fine, don't regret it!"