Chapter 23: What If I Want To?

Maggie hesitated to confront Joseph outside the door, fearing Nathael's anger. His face was grim—utterly gloomy.

"Hm" Maggie didn't know how to start; she felt incredibly awkward. It was as if awkwardness had invaded her home, and she was the guest of honor. Just when she and Nathael had begun to get along better, Joseph, the troublemaker, wouldn't leave her alone.

"Maggie, I know you're home! Open the door. Let's talk!"

Joseph's voice came again. Maggie almost laughed.

Nathael sneered, a hint of self-mockery in his eyes. "It seems I've interrupted Ms. Adam's date."

Maggie was speechless. He was a ticking time bomb; his patience was razor-thin.

Maggie sighed. It wasn't entirely Nathael's fault; she had made mistakes, and now she was reaping the consequences. She could only take things one step at a time. "Nathael, can you ignore him!"

Nathael was startled. Maggie looked at him, started to speak seriously, paused, then continued, "Just ignore—"

She sighed when he didn't respond. Nathael would likely find even ignoring Joseph distasteful.

She walked to the door, her eyes hidden beneath lowered lashes. She said coldly, "Joseph, you should leave. I've made myself very clear."

"Maggie, open the door first," Joseph said patiently. He wasn't usually patient, but because it was Maggie and he felt he was in the wrong, he was willing to coax her. "Maggie, I know you're angry, but I only made a mistake any man might make. You have to understand. That's just how society is. You won't find another man who treats you like I do."

Joseph launched into his usual charm offensive, and Maggie laughed scornfully, feeling sorry for her past self. Two years earlier, in her previous life, she had discovered Joseph's relationship with Vanessa; she knew he was a playboy with many ambiguous relationships. Even then, she hadn't hated him—only felt heartbroken. Later, she and Nathael had become involved, before Sierra disfigured her. Naturally, Joseph wouldn't have feelings for a blind, unattractive woman.

Maggie couldn't help but wonder: was it a mistake all men would make? What about Nathael? Would he do the same? He had been with her for years without making advances. Would he pursue other women?

But Maggie quickly dismissed the thought. He wouldn't. With his status and position, countless women would clamor for his attention.

Seeing Maggie's silence, Joseph assumed she was persuaded. "I've ordered you the latest Cartier necklace; it'll be delivered tomorrow. I also bought a house in your name. You just need to sign." He lacked patience, assuming the gifts would settle the matter. "Maggie, are you still in contact with Nathael?"

Maggie instinctively looked at Nathael. Joseph continued, "I know you feel sick when you mention him, but after what he did to you, we have to make him pay!"

Maggie was speechless.

"If you have time in the next few days, it would be best to talk to him again. What are his plans for the Chronopolis project? And the Spectral Port business district, which Harris mainly handles? Let's see if you can get the Camerons a share of it." Maggie felt the urge to cry. She bit her lip, closed her eyes, afraid to look at the man a few meters away.

What should she do? Reject Joseph, and the Camerons might become suspicious. Not reject him, and Nathael might think she was scheming.

She sighed, feeling manipulated by fate. Whether she explained or not, Nathael probably wouldn't believe her. She felt she couldn't clear her name. Oh, her romantic dinner with Nathael

"I won't leave until I see you. Open the door," Joseph frowned, noticing the Maybach parked downstairs. Such a car was unusual in this neighborhood.

Maggie scoffed. Joseph was as persistent as a stubborn dog!

Nathael's eyes turned cold. He gripped Maggie's wrist, pulling her close. "Do you want me to open the door?" His gaze was intense, his jaw tense.

Maggie shook her head. "No, you can't." This wasn't the time for Joseph to know about her and Nathael, especially since they weren't officially together. The Camerons would use their relationship as leverage against Nathael, making it harder to clear up their misunderstanding.

Nathael let out a cold laugh. "What if I want to?"

Maggie swallowed, feeling his icy gaze pierce her, causing her heart to sink.

Joseph spoke again, "Maggie, is there someone with you?"

Bang! Bang!

Joseph, initially impatient, now enraged by the thought of Maggie's betrayal, pounded on the door. His face was grim.

Nathael spoke in a low voice, "Mr. Cameron—"

Maggie quickly covered his mouth. "Please don't speak."

Joseph thought he heard a man's voice, but the door muffled the sound.

Maggie removed her hand. "Could you please stay silent?"

Nathael scoffed. "Are you so afraid of him finding out?" After all, she still loved Joseph.

Nathael lowered his gaze, torturing himself. Were these incidents part of a calculated scheme for the Spectral Port project? He laughed at himself, sadness filling his dark eyes.

On impulse, Maggie tiptoed, threw herself at him, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed his lips.