Chapter 224: Emotional Blackmail

Ronald trembled with rage; Maggie's lips curved into a slight smile. Sometimes, karma comes back to bite you through your own children. Ronald, a shrewd and deceptive man, was furious. His daughter, Sierra, was an idiot.

Upon hearing this, Sierra became even more rebellious. "Have you seen the jewelry you guys gave me? Do you really think anyone would like that? I asked for different jewelry!" she shouted.

Sierra's defiance challenged Ronald, while Maggie watched with interest. Frustrated, Ronald slapped Sierra.

Slap!

Sierra's tears flowed instantly. "Dad, you hit me! I can't believe you hit me! Do you all think Maggie is perfect? If so, why isn't she your real daughter?!"

"Sierra, don't talk to your father like that!" Olivia intervened, pulling Sierra away, worry etched on her face.

Maggie hesitated, unsure whether to intervene. Deep down, however, she felt a chill. Families like the Camerons seemed strong in good times but crumbled under pressure. This chaos, however, presented an opportunity for Maggie. If the family members continued to harbor grudges and scheme against each other, she believed the Camerons would collapse.

Joseph spoke up. "Dad, calm down. Sierra has a point. Who would send such valuable items to the wrong person, especially before a performance? Sierra was caught off guard; it's understandable."

With a stern expression, Ronald declared, "The Adams must be behind this."

Madam Cameron interjected, "I'm not so sure. The Adams' jewelry in question is from years ago. If I remember correctly, there were only a few pieces, and they should be sold out by now."

"Noah, go investigate."

Before Ronald finished, Sierra shoved Olivia aside and stormed out, shouting, "I know! It must be you and Mia! You did this!"

Maggie was surprised but acknowledged Sierra wasn't entirely stupid.

"Sierra, stop making unfounded accusations!" Ronald reprimanded coldly.

And that Mia—she's been causing trouble for me all along! That necklace must have been from her!

Upon realizing this, Sierra's eyes reddened, and her chest heaved violently. "Those two bitches plotted against me! They did this to me!"

Tears welled in Maggie's eyes. "Sierra, I know you dislike me, and you're jealous that Mom and Dad praise me. I know I'm not a Harris, but I never wanted to compete with you…" She wiped away her tears.

"Maggie, stop pretending! Don't think I don't know your true intentions! Did you plan this? Are you afraid I'll steal your opportunities? Are you jealous of me?" Sierra charged at Maggie, her anger blazing.

Joseph intervened, his tone frosty. "That's enough!"

"Joseph, are you taking her side?" Sierra's disbelief was evident.

Maggie suddenly remembered something, her eyes turning red as she looked at Ronald. "Dad, maybe… maybe I'm somehow involved…" Ronald frowned. "What do you mean?"

Maggie explained slowly, "Sierra and Mia have never gotten along. They had a heated argument backstage…"

Noah rose from the sofa. "Mia posted a video on Twitter, and it's trending."

The tweets read: "Miss Cameron's high-handedness," "The real face of the Camerons' hypocrisy!" "The Camerons are emotionally blackmailing Maggie!"

Maggie wasn't sure if it was Leo or Mia, but several tweets trended instantly. Everyone checked their phones. Mia's video showed Sierra looking down at Maggie at her makeup table.

"Maggie, think about why you're in this university competition. The Camerons have supported you. If you refuse to wear Luster Corporation's jewelry, I'll make you!"

Mia's tweet included the caption, "What terrible jewelry Luster Corporation gave Maggie! It's embarrassing! Even if they're trying to emotionally blackmail someone, they should put in some effort!" and high-quality images of the jewelry. The large, flashy logos drew immediate criticism.

The comments were overwhelmingly negative, criticizing the Camerons' treatment of Maggie and the poor quality of their jewelry.

Maggie's expression remained unchanged as she read the comments. No hurry, she thought, the Camerons' downfall is coming.

"Maggie, Mia has always been close to you. Call her," Ronald said, his breath unsteady.

Maggie called Mia on speakerphone. "Mia, did you give Sierra that necklace?"

Mia laughed coldly. "Yes. Sierra has been a thorn in my side. She's always caused trouble for you, and I've had enough. This time, she went too far."

(End of Chapter 224)