Chapter 205: Planting Strawberries

Nora remained silent, her hands gripping the table. Clearly, she was inexperienced in such matters. But she desperately needed money, and after seeing the man's photos and information, she couldn't deny his appeal.

He wasn't the wealthy playboy she'd expected, nor was he overweight. He was the kind of man she'd never otherwise meet. Therefore, she was willing, especially with the generous reward.

"Ms. Adam, can I ask what I should do when I meet him?" Nora glanced at Maggie, unable to resist the question.

After a brief silence, Maggie looked at her and said calmly, "Just do whatever it takes to make him happy."

"To make him happy—"

"I'll give you a heads-up when the time comes. Just be ready," Maggie added, then stood and left.

Nora sat alone, seemingly resolving something in her mind.

Nathael closed the page, a heavy weight in his chest. He looked down, reassuring himself it was all in the past. He unlocked his phone and quickly blocked Beth's number and WhatsApp.

Just then, Maggie emerged from the bathroom after showering. Entering the living room, she saw the bedroom door ajar. He stood by the desk, lost in thought, his silhouette hinting at loneliness, which inexplicably weighed on her. "Nathael?" she softly tapped the door.

He didn't respond.

Approaching, she gently wrapped her arms around his waist and leaned her cheek against his shoulder. "What's on your mind?"

Nathael startled, placing his hand over hers.

"Not much, just some work."

"Still busy? I'll keep you company," Maggie said sympathetically.

"No need, you should go to bed." He took her hand and led her to the bedroom.

Maggie followed, turning to look at him. She couldn't quite place it, but sensed he wasn't in the best mood.

"Yeah, so, would you mind cheering me up a bit?" he said softly, his deep eyes on her.

Maggie chuckled. "How old are you that you always need cheering up?"

Nathael pulled her into an embrace, resting his face against her neck. His voice was low and vulnerable. "Three years old." Maggie gently ran her fingers through his hair.

"What's the matter? Why are you suddenly feeling down?"

He didn't answer, but held her tighter. "Maggie, I love you more than you think."

Maggie's throat tightened. She whispered, "I know."

Nathael lowered his gaze, trying to convince himself things were fine. Still, unease lingered; he feared it might all be a dream.

"Nathael, do you enjoy strawberries?" Maggie asked softly.

He looked at her, inscrutable, but silent.

"I'll plant a strawberry for you." Maggie's eyes sparkled. Before he could react, she tiptoed and kissed his collarbone. He remained motionless.

After a few seconds, she noticed a faint pink mark. Her cheeks flushed, and she avoided his gaze as she climbed into bed. "Let's sleep!"

Nathael walked to the mirror, staring at the "strawberry" on his collarbone. After a while, he chuckled, feeling better.

Maggie was kissed until she was weak, then drifted off. Perhaps he was unusually restrained due to her piano competition the next day, but she found his advances hard to resist.

Hearing her steady breathing, Nathael kissed her forehead before showering. He then went to the living room window, lit a cigarette, and took a drag.

After finishing, he called Alex.

Chapter 205: Planting Strawberries

Alex, rubbing tired eyes, glanced at his phone.

"Hello,"

"Could you check Beth's recent contacts for anything unusual?"

"Yes, sir."

"Contact Nora, give her some money, and ensure she keeps quiet, cutting ties with the Camerons completely," Nathael instructed.

Alex paused. Nora? Who is that?

He splashed cold water on his face. Nora! The woman who inexplicably ended up in the CEO's room? This must be related to Maggie and the Camerons; only she knew the password to the CEO's hotel room.

"Got it."

"I'll send you a link. Get someone to clean up the video, and have Henry investigate the source." Maggie was participating in the University's Piano Competition and planned to secretly act against the Camerons. This couldn't leak.

"And find someone with a similar physique and appearance to Maggie as a backup," Nathael added.

"Got it."

After ending the call, Nathael edited and added music to today's recorded video, packaged it, sent it to Henry, and then called him.

"Get in touch with Jimmy and have this video promoted by tomorrow noon."

Henry opened the video with a puzzled expression. What's my boss up to? A woman? Could it be Ms. Adam?

13:09 Thu, 23 May

Chapter 205: Planting Strawberries

Oh, so it's Maggie. Good.

"Sir, do we need to disclose the video's source?" Henry asked.

"No need."

"Understood."

The next morning, Maggie woke nestled in Nathael's embrace. He slept, prompting her to admire his face. Her finger traced his eyebrows. So good-looking.

Lost in thought, she noticed he hadn't woken. Feeling his hand tighten, she hesitated. She tried to gently free herself, but couldn't. She picked up her phone and started scrolling through online news.

She noticed "First Love" was trending on Twitter. It didn't seem artificially boosted; there were many comments. Before clicking, the words suggested a movie. Many clicked out of curiosity, expecting a typical love story. Surprisingly, it was a piano piece, with only the performer's silhouette shown.