Chapter 252: Why Does He Hate You?

Listening to the busy signal, Maggie felt absentminded and despondent. She sat in her car for a while, lost in thought, then, disregarding her injured ankle, drove to the riverside to clear her head. So much had happened recently—too much to articulate—leaving her feeling choked up and uneasy. Walking wasn't easy with her injury.

She found a bench and sat, watching the ferries shuttle back and forth across the river. As the sun set, sparkling lights illuminated the surroundings. The sky wasn't completely dark, but a hint of nighttime chill was already in the air.

Just then, Leo called.

"Leo?" Maggie answered.

"Sierra's claiming the piano video you posted a few days ago. It's gaining popularity rapidly, with mixed reviews," Leo said, getting straight to the point.

Going ahead with her plan should have been cause for celebration, but Maggie couldn't find any joy in it. "The more they praise her now, the harder she'll crash later," she murmured.

A car horn broke the silence.

Leo paused. "Where are you?"

"By the river, getting some fresh air," Maggie replied.

"Not feeling too great?" Leo asked warmly.

"Nope," Maggie said, not elaborating. Some things were best handled alone.

"I'll come over," Leo said firmly.

"No need. It's not a big deal. I'm just taking a breather…" Maggie protested, but Leo insisted. She relented.

In less than half an hour, Leo arrived, throwing his jacket over her shoulders and handing her a cup of hot milk tea. Maggie took it, feeling the warmth against her cold fingers.

Leo sat beside her, his tall, slender frame radiating strength. Without his glasses, his usually cool face revealed sharp, piercing eyes. Shedding his usual facade, he seemed mocking and detached.

He asked softly, "What's on your mind?"

(Time Stamp: 16:20 Mon, 27 May G BB)

Leo lit a cigarette, gazing at the river. He spoke slowly. "You used to say, 'Why bother with right or wrong, as long as you know what you want.'" Maggie chuckled softly, her gaze dropping.

"Back then, we were so carefree. We thought those times weren't good enough, but now I realize they were the best," she said. "It wasn't about the Camerons' treatment, but the joy she found escaping the cutthroat orphanage, the happiness of youthful naiveté, thinking she'd broken free from fate's chains, and the happiness of realizing life still held boundless opportunities. Because of her youthful recklessness, there were so many things she didn't dare to do but dared to dream of."

"I'm not sure what I truly want now," Maggie murmured, uncertainty in her eyes. "I want to be with Nathael, but I fear too many lingering memories. I hope he won't get hurt, but I'm afraid he's destined to be let down. I wish him all the best, but I refuse to let Timothy control me."

"Pass me a cigarette," Maggie said, her gaze cool. She realized that loving someone brought both sweetness and bitterness.

Leo offered the cigarette box. Maggie took one and lit it. She didn't smoke much; it didn't fit the image of a pampered Cameron daughter, but with the family's fortunes declining, despite her loyalty, she felt restless and sought occasional outlets.

As the smoke cleared, streetlights illuminated swirling dust. Maggie, too, wondered what she truly wanted. Finishing her cigarette, she felt no urge to continue, yet unresolved matters left her unsure of what to do next.

"I'll drive you back," Leo said gently.

Maggie, her foot still injured, didn't refuse. The night breeze was brisk and refreshing. In the car, she asked, "Do you know Timothy?"

"I've heard things, but he's kept a low profile for years, so information is scarce," Leo replied.

"What's the deal between him and Nathael?" Maggie asked.

"Rumors abound, but none seem reliable. Master Harris wouldn't let his grandsons feud unchecked," Leo explained.

Maggie sighed.

"Why the sudden interest in him?" Leo asked, glancing at her.

"He's pushing me to break up with Nathael. What do you think he wants?" Maggie replied.

Leo frowned, his eyes distant and cold. "He's trying to embarrass Nathael."

Maggie pondered. While Leo might not be entirely correct, there was truth to his words. If he knew of Nathael's feelings and still insisted on a breakup, his goal was likely to cause pain. What a messed-up person!

Stepping out of the car, Maggie saw Nathael's car parked downstairs. They stood twenty meters apart, silent. Nathael's eyes briefly flickered to her swollen ankle before settling on Leo, who was assisting her. His expression was unreadable.

Maggie was startled. Is he here to find me? How long has he been here?

Approaching Nathael, she tilted her head cautiously. "When did you get here?"

"About half an hour ago," Nathael replied, his voice low as he looked at her.

"Wanna come upstairs?" Maggie asked.

Nathael took Maggie's arm from Leo and went upstairs with her. Maggie waved to Leo before heading inside. She was about to get Nathael's slippers when, after the door closed, he pinned her against the wall.

His kiss was fierce, hard, and punishing. Their lips and tongues intertwined; Maggie felt breathless, then suffocated, her vision darkening, her body weakening. She struggled, gasping for air.

Nathael gave her a cold stare. "Do you always have to make me angry?"

Maggie's throat tightened. "No, I don't."

"Why did you meet with Timothy without telling me?" Nathael asked coldly, his imposing manner causing Maggie's throat to tighten. She remained silent, unsure how to explain.

After a moment, she blinked back tears and looked at him softly. "What's the feud between you and Timothy? Why does he hate you?"

Nathael remained silent. Just as Maggie thought she might get an answer, he turned toward the living room. He took a cigarette, lit it, and his eyes fell upon a large bunch of lavender flowers in a vase.