Chapter 254: Some Dreams Are Better to Wake Up Early

After entertaining guests with Nathael for a while, Maggie retreated to the second-floor terrace for some fresh air and rest. Being summoned by Ronald—another instance of exploiting Nathael's influence—left her feeling more like a tool than ever. Glancing at her still-healing ankle, she worried about the increasing difficulty of walking.

"Ms. Adam, enjoying the fresh air?" a familiar voice remarked from behind.

Maggie turned to see Beth, elegantly dressed in white, smiling politely.

"What a surprise, Ms. Bray."

Beth's gaze drifted to Maggie's stomach. After several days, there was little visible change, even in her fitted dress. Beth had hoped that informing Clara would cause Maggie to lie low, or perhaps the Harrises would intervene and send her away. Instead, Nathael had appeared publicly with her again within days.

"Not a surprise. I came to talk," Beth said gently, moving closer.

Maggie remained silent, patiently awaiting Beth's words.

"My family has arranged my marriage to Master Harris. Ms. Adam, you should know that casual flings are acceptable for someone like Nathael, but marriage is a serious matter involving two families." Beth looked at Maggie, acknowledging her undeniable beauty—lively, haughty, and subtly cold, a potent combination for attracting men. Maggie smiled, unfazed. "I expected something more creative, Ms. Bray. You're sticking to the same old lines."

Beth's gaze sharpened. "If Nathael wants to trifle with you, I might ignore it. But he'll tire of you eventually. There will always be someone younger and prettier." She paused. "As for me, I will be his legitimate wife, bearing his children and continuing his family line."

Beth's tone was uncertain—was she trying to convince Maggie or herself?

Maggie chuckled. "Bearing his children?"

She studied Beth. Beth possessed an assertive aura. While not extraordinarily beautiful, her wealth held its own charm, attracting suitors. But even the most accomplished individuals, facing unrequited love, lower their guard.

Even if Nathael didn't love her, being his wife would feel like a victory.

Seeing the mockery in Maggie's eyes, Beth's expression darkened.

Maggie smirked. "Nathael won't touch you if he doesn't love you. If you want children, look elsewhere."

Maggie admitted to herself a pang of jealousy and envy. She envied Beth's time with Nathael, the dream of growing old with him, a house full of children and grandchildren—things she couldn't have.

Maggie's words struck a nerve. Beth's face contorted with anger. Her eyes darted to Maggie's belly. "Even if the Harrises allow you to keep this child, he'll be illegitimate! Or perhaps I will raise him."

Maggie was taken aback by the mention of her belly, falling silent. That casual joke from before had clearly upset Beth. No wonder Nathael's parents were rushing to see her—likely fueled by Beth's gossip about her pregnancy.

"Ms. Bray, are you watching too many dramas? Keeping the baby under your name? Let's disregard Nathael's opinion. Legally, if I object, you have no custody rights."

"Do you think you can outmatch the Harrises and the Brays? Even with the Camerons' support, you can't beat the legal power of our families. Fighting for custody isn't easy," Beth retorted.

Maggie considered Beth's words, finding them reasonable. The Harris family's power, coupled with Nathael's potential lack of support, could easily pressure her into submission.

"Well, too bad."

Beth frowned. "What?"

"Too bad it's all speculation. You don't seriously think Nathael would willingly be a pawn, do you?" Maggie looked directly at Beth, a hint of pity and mockery in her eyes.

Beth was startled. She knew Nathael wouldn't willingly marry her.

"We've enjoyed the privileges of wealth and resources, things many dream of. But with that comes the responsibility to contribute to the family. It's part of our birthright." Beth believed Nathael would eventually come around, as she expected.

"At best, you enjoy your family's generosity, but Nathael's situation is different. He controls most of the Harris family assets, has his parents' backing, loyal friends, and isn't a pushover. Offending the Brays? He's not afraid."

Maggie's words stung Beth. She had planned to calmly explain the situation and persuade Maggie to withdraw. But now, her hands clenched, veins visible in her eyes, her gaze cold and sinister as she smiled slowly. "So, you won't back down?"

"And what about you?" Maggie countered.

Their positions were clear—neither would yield.

"Ms. Bray, a piece of advice: sometimes it's better to let go of dreams early to avoid trouble," Maggie said casually, then strolled past Beth.

Beth remained rooted in place, her gaze cold, watching Maggie leave with resentment. Why had Maggie appeared? Without her, even if Nathael didn't choose her, he wouldn't choose anyone else! Their years of friendship should have been enough, but now there was Maggie. Maggie's shamelessness would not go unpunished.

Beth nodded to a waiter near the stairs. As Maggie reached the stairs, the waiter shoved her from behind.

(The final section with "Send Gifts" and numerical values appears unrelated to the narrative and has been omitted.)