Chapter 219: The Kept Man

Nathael decided to take Maggie home to change clothes before lunch.

Later, Danielle informed them that attending the advancement ceremony wasn't required; they only needed to watch the live broadcast or replay at home.

With the second round a week away, Maggie felt no rush.

At 2 PM, Nathael dropped Maggie off at the Camerons' residence. As she bid him farewell, she saw him instructing Alex to retrieve several expensive gifts from the car trunk.

Confused, Maggie asked, "What's all this for?"

Nathael replied, his voice deep and firm as he gripped her hand, "It's time to visit your parents." His gaze softened.

Maggie was momentarily taken aback, touched by his gesture. Internally, she scoffed, Pay a visit to my parents? Bullsht! He's just trying to ensure the Camerons don't mistreat me.* Nathael's presence aimed to deter Ronald or Master Cameron from causing trouble.

Worried about eavesdroppers, Maggie hugged his waist and whispered, "Now that you're here, Ronald will surely try to exploit you." She didn't want him entangled in the Camerons' affairs; just as he protected her, she wanted to protect him.

Nathael ruffled her hair affectionately, admitting, "I'm not the saint you think I am, Maggie."

Maggie caught his crisp cedar scent and murmured, "But in my heart, you are." Nathael's eyes twinkled.

Minutes later, Maggie entered the Camerons' gate. Mary, furious, hurled a heavy ashtray at Maggie, yelling, "You troublemaker! How dare you show your face here! The Camerons cared for you, yet you're a backstabber! You think you're grown up now? Why aren't you wearing the necklace your mother gave you? What's that around your neck?"

Chapter 219: The Kept Man (continued)

Nathael quickly pulled Maggie out of harm's way, but the ashtray shattered near her feet, sending glass flying. Though shielded by Nathael, Maggie noticed glass on him.

Concerned, she asked, "Are you alright? Did you get hurt?"

Nathael reassured her, "I'm fine."

Suppressing her anger, Maggie addressed Mary tentatively, "Aunt Mary"

"Don't call me Aunt Mary! I don't have a niece like you! What did you do in a past life to end up with the Camerons?!" Mary raged. She paused, noticing Nathael. "Who's this? Where did this kept man come from? You bring someone home after that? Have you no shame?"

Mary scrutinized Nathael suspiciously. He wore a dark blue suit, crisp white shirt, a wristwatch, and a thin red string. His clothes weren't obviously designer, and his watch was hard to see. Despite her inexperience, she sensed his authority; his intense gaze sent chills down her spine.

Maggie discreetly scratched Nathael's palm, silently conveying, See, she's calling you a kept man.

"Aunt Mary, I know you're angry about the competition, but I didn't mean to…" Maggie skirted the issue, omitting Nathael's gift and his identity.

Mary's outburst was clearly a warning from Ronald, asserting his dominance. He knew the truth but used Mary to send a message: Nathael's support didn't mean she could ignore the Camerons. (The Camerons are always playing mind games.)

"Enough excuses! If Luster Corporation fails, you'll regret it!" Mary's investment—almost all her savings—was at stake. Unable to confront Ronald, Noah, Olivia, and Sierra (protected by Ronald), she vented on Maggie.

"I'm sorry, Aunt Mary. I wanted to wear your necklace, but my boyfriend gave me another. I didn't want to disappoint him…" Maggie feigned tears.

Mary exploded. "Your boyfriend? Is he more important than Luster Corporation? You wear whatever he gives you? Do you have any loyalty to the Camerons?" Nathael, with a dangerous look, was about to speak when Ronald shouted from upstairs, "Shut up! What nonsense are you talking?" Ronald, Joseph, and Master Cameron rushed down.

Maggie subtly smirked.

Mary continued, "This troublemaker leeches off the family and causes trouble! Now she thinks bringing this 'boyfriend' will protect her"

Before she finished, Ronald forcefully pulled Mary away. "I told you to shut up!"

"Why? I invested my money! It's the truth! Look at Maggie, with her kept man—"

Ronald, usually protective of Sierra, disapproved of his protection of Maggie, but this time he slapped Mary. "I said shut up!"

Mary stumbled, stunned. "Ronald, you hit me?"

Ignoring her, Ronald approached Nathael. "I apologize for my sister, Mr. Harris. She's an idiot. Please forgive her!"