Chapter 232: Checkup

The next day, as Maggie descended the stairs at the Camerons' residence, she saw Ronald, Joseph, and several others poring over contracts by the coffee table.

"Hey, Maggie, perfect timing," Ronald beckoned. "Check out these assets. I'm planning to use them as collateral with Mr. Harris."

Maggie immediately joined them, scanning the documents. However, she couldn't hide her surprise. "Dad, are we mortgaging Prosperity Mall, Centersea Hotel, and the Cloudsea land?"

Recalling the family's past success with the Cloudsea land, Maggie felt a pang of concern. If Nathael acquired these properties, they would lose everything.

"Yep," Ronald explained. "Experts evaluated them. Prosperity's outdated, Centersea's facilities are old-fashioned, and Cloudsea's too remote. Even with future development, the returns won't be great." Maggie paused, refraining from pressing further.

Prosperity Mall's charm had faded; its dated décor repelled foot traffic and international brands. Centersea Hotel, despite its five-star status, showed its age, though its prime location still ensured healthy annual returns. Modernization and renovation were the obvious solutions, but the Camerons lacked the necessary funding. Cloudsea, once Maggie's championed project, lay neglected and unrecognized. Their ambitions seemed thwarted by fate.

After a thorough assessment, Maggie understood the gravity of the situation. Ronald's portfolio, beyond the Camerons' main ventures, included the list Maggie had "acquired" from Naharl. Upon reviewing the project and the list, the Camerons immediately began raising funds.

Some of these high-risk projects might initially appear lucrative, promising a rosy future. A flicker of concern crossed Maggie's face as she sensed trouble. The Camerons were taking a considerable risk.

"I don't see any problems," Maggie said with conviction.

Ronald nodded. Maggie noticed a stack of photos on the coffee table next to a list of talent shows, both on air and scheduled. That morning on Twitter, she had seen the Camerons promoting Luster Corporation's jewelry. Additionally, Albert had rapidly developed a new product, slated for release in a week and currently being promoted.

"Maggie, spend more time with Mr. Harris; try to get information from him," Ronald instructed.

"Got it," Maggie replied, her face somber.

Ronald sighed heavily. "Mr. Harris is influential and shrewd. Dad wants you two together, but the Camerons must be financially secure before you marry, and only then will the Harrises give their blessing." He spoke slowly, his face solemn.

Maggie listened intently, but a hint of iciness glinted in her eyes. She wondered if she was being poisoned and how long the Camerons had been doing it. Joseph and Sierra likely knew nothing, or she might be able to extract information from them. Getting information from the older Camerons would be difficult.

She left the Camerons' residence and decided to go to the hospital. Maggie couldn't shake the memory of questioning Nathael last night about how he learned of her whereabouts at Timothy's, only to discover Nolan had been secretly covering for him. Sitting in her car, she felt a wave of unease.

She immediately called Leo. Nolan was following her, and she needed him gone. This wasn't Maggie's forte, especially without knowing Nolan's precise location. Once Leo provided directions, Maggie started the engine.

Thirty minutes later, the car entered a chaotic neighborhood. Leo's crew quickly apprehended Nolan, prompting Maggie to speed away down a nearby alley, her heart pounding. Only after Leo confirmed Nolan's disappearance on the phone did Maggie exhale, relief washing over her, though worry remained.

Maggie wondered if Nathael would worry when he learned about this, but she had no other option. She chose a top-tier private hospital, ensuring strict confidentiality.

After a two-hour examination, Maggie sat in the waiting area, a sense of anticipation washing over her. She chuckled to herself. The Camerons had given her a six-year reprieve, but she couldn't predict how much time she truly had.

By two in the afternoon, Maggie received her test results. Seated across from a bespectacled professor, she listened for the third time as he murmured, "This is… peculiar." She resisted probing further.

The doctor removed his glasses and addressed her. "Your test results are unusual," he said. "Many of your levels are off, but I can't pinpoint the problem." Maggie's eyebrows shot up in surprise.

"You show signs of poisoning, though it doesn't seem serious," he continued. After a pause, he added, "We'll need further investigation. We'll contact you with more information."

Maggie refrained from asking more questions, thanked the doctor, and stood to leave. It wasn't surprising that nothing was found, given her numerous past hospital visits without diagnosis.

The professor seemed surprised as Maggie prepared to leave, pausing to say, "Young lady, you're here for a checkup. I expect you to consult a doctor." Maggie looked confused. She wanted to consult a doctor, but he couldn't determine what was wrong.

"I'll give you an address. See my mentor for an examination, and I'll conduct further tests," the professor explained, quickly scribbling an address and contact information on a medical record.

"Thank you," Maggie said, carefully recording the details.

"From what I've seen, it appears you have chronic poisoning," the professor noted. "The details may not be clear now, but be prepared." Maggie grinned. "Got it."

The professor's kindness eased Maggie's concerns. She went to the address, arriving at a medical university.

The professor's mentor, the octogenarian dean of the medical school, greeted Maggie. Despite his age, he exuded strength and reassurance, with sharp cheekbones, silver hair, and wise, slightly drooping brows.

"Have a seat. I'll check your pulse first," he said gently, clearly briefed by the professor.

As he placed his slender, weathered hand on her wrist, Maggie noticed a familiar expression on his face.