Chapter 222: Temptation

The conversation returned to Luster Corporation, piquing Ronald's interest.

"Mr. Harris," Ronald began, "you may not know that both the Camerons and Maggie have worked tirelessly for Luster Corporation this time. Unfortunately, Luster Corporation has been deliberately targeted. We understand you're close to the Adams family, and we're not trying to compete with them. We simply wondered if you had any advice."

Ronald humbly sought guidance. Maggie, knowing Ronald well, understood his underlying message: he was attempting to leverage Nathael's connection with her to help Luster Corporation.

Nathael met Ronald's gaze directly. "Mr. Cameron, after years in business, you must know that reputation is the hardest thing to rebuild. Your idea of using fan economics to mitigate the damage is already the best approach. I'm afraid I can't offer better advice."

Nathael spoke solemnly. While he didn't explicitly offer help, his approval relieved Ronald somewhat. At least it indicated Nathael wouldn't target the Camerons, and that they were on the right track. Unfortunately, their joint efforts might not yield the desired results.

Nathael continued, "Mr. Cameron, if you plan to rely on fan support, you should broaden your approach beyond your current efforts."

"Are you suggesting, Mr. Harris, that the Camerons invest in talent shows and competitions?" Ronald asked cautiously.

"Exactly," Nathael replied.

Ronald sighed, pondering. "Mr. Harris, you may not know this, but I've considered that. However, the Camerons' finances are tight. Do you have any suitable projects?"

Nathael looked at Joseph and said icily, "While I'm interested in Maggie, I've always doubted the Camerons' motives. Mr. Cameron, your son once said Maggie was scheming against me. What are your thoughts on that?"

Ronald was stunned. He glanced at Joseph, whose expression had dramatically changed. He felt a surge of anger and frustration. Ronald knew the incident Nathael referred to. Despite his own shrewdness, he felt furious at his children's foolishness. They consistently made poor decisions, and the thought infuriated him.

Joseph, feeling embarrassed, stepped forward. "That's not what I meant, Mr. Harris. I was concerned about your many admirers, and I feared Maggie wasn't a good match for you. I also worried you might grow tired of her."

Joseph, far from naive, understood the situation and attempted to explain.

Ronald softened slightly, believing his son wasn't beyond redemption.

Nathael chuckled, his dark eyes sharp. "Brother? I recall you and Maggie dated once. Could it be you can't control your feelings?"

The two men locked eyes, and Joseph felt as if a venomous snake were wrapped around his neck, as Nathael's eyes radiated a cold, murderous aura. He acutely sensed Nathael's displeasure.

A lump formed in Joseph's throat. Am I really unable to control my feelings? he wondered. Was my past erratic behavior due to that?

Ronald cursed inwardly. Although Maggie and Joseph never explicitly dated, anyone observant would have noticed the unspoken connection.

"I care about Maggie…" Joseph attempted to explain, but his gaze fell on Maggie beside Nathael, his expression complex. "It's true I like her, but it's not… that much." He paused, lost in thought. "But since when did I find it so hard to look away from her? And when did I start feeling jealous and angry seeing her with others?" He thought of her as his, yet he never truly possessed her, and she left without looking back.

Nathael chuckled, losing interest in the conversation. Ronald, despite his extensive business experience, felt a surge of nervousness.

"Mr. Harris," Ronald interjected, "Maggie and Joseph grew up together; some misunderstandings are natural. But I assure you, there's nothing going on between them."

Nathael's enigmatic expression made Ronald uneasy, preventing him from continuing. It seemed he knew more than he revealed. Further explanation felt forced.

Seeing Ronald hesitate, Nathael dropped the subject. He spoke seriously, "I won't speculate on the Camerons' intentions. Let's discuss business. For Maggie's sake, I'm willing to consider a mortgage loan for the Camerons." Maggie was momentarily stunned.

A mortgage loan? Nathael is truly cunning! she thought.

Ronald had adopted a humble stance to secure investment, but Nathael didn't offer a loan directly; instead, he proposed a mortgage. With the Camerons' reputation in ruins and their business struggling, securing a bank loan was nearly impossible, and any amount offered would be minimal. Nathael's suggestion of a mortgage was a practical solution.

Ronald could, of course, mortgage his assets directly to the bank. But given the Camerons' debt, the bank would likely offer a paltry sum. If their financial situation worsened, some assets would be seized. Therefore, mortgaging assets to Nathael first, securing a loan, and revitalizing Luster Corporation might be preferable.

However, Maggie knew Nathael was setting a trap, tempting Ronald to invest more. No matter the amount invested, they'd never recoup their losses, as neither she nor Nathael would allow Luster Corporation to recover. The more Ronald invested, the more he would lose, accumulating ever-increasing debt.

"Of course, all investments have risks, Mr. Cameron, so proceed cautiously. Perhaps cutting your losses might be wise," Nathael suggested, feigning concern.

But Maggie knew he understood Ronald's mindset. Ronald wouldn't give up easily. It was a risky gamble; the more he lost, the harder it became to quit. He'd wait it out, hoping for a big win in the next round. In reality, he'd be forced to withdraw when he had nothing left to bet. Ronald and the Camerons were in precisely this situation.