Chapter 260: A Match Made in Heaven

Observing Beth's pretentious display, Maggie was tempted to applaud her performance. Behold, the true heiress of the Brays! With her thick skin, she easily deflected blame onto others without a second thought.

"Ms. Bray," the bodyguard pleaded desperately, "I apologize for acting without your permission, but I did it for you! Please forgive me." His performance perfectly supported the narrative that he'd acted on his own initiative.

Beth's brows furrowed as she coldly scolded, "By using my name, you tarnished my family's reputation and wronged Ms. Adam. If you seek forgiveness, seek it from her."

Turning to Maggie, Beth continued, "There seem to have been misunderstandings. I trust you are magnanimous and will not hold a grudge."

A trace of coldness flickered in Maggie's eyes. Beth had adopted a moral high ground while simultaneously appearing submissive. If Maggie refused to let the matter drop, she would seem unreasonable and unforgiving. However, what could she truly do to a scapegoat like the driver? It would only inconvenience Beth, who could easily replace him.

Before Maggie could respond, Ronald indignantly interjected, "Ms. Bray, you should clarify the situation. Maggie was fortunate to avoid serious injury. A fall from that height could have had unimaginable consequences."

Maggie understood Ronald's self-serving intentions.

After a moment's contemplation, Beth conceded, "You're right. This man is associated with my family, and I must take responsibility. I will provide compensation."

Ronald started to speak, but Maggie swiftly interjected, "Ms. Bray, I've heard of the 'A Match Made in Heaven' watches in your private collection. Since you wish to make amends, I wonder if you're willing to part with them?"

Maggie's request caught Beth off guard. She hadn't anticipated this. The watches, a custom design from a renowned international jewelry designer and a prestigious watch brand, were considered a crowning achievement by the designer and were widely known. Beth never expected Maggie to be so well-informed, or to make such a bold request.

"So, is Ms. Bray's apology just empty words, or do you believe my life isn't worth those watches?" Maggie pressed, omitting the unintelligible characters from the original text. Maggie hadn't minced her words. She knew about the watches from her past life; Beth had once given them to Nathael at a gala, asking Maggie to deliver them—a clear indication of Beth's disregard for Maggie. Maggie was justified in seizing what she desired.

Beth struggled to respond. Her reluctance was evident, but few found Maggie unreasonable. The Camerons, Nathael, and Maggie herself could easily afford such watches. Maggie clearly aimed to claim something precious to Beth. Insignificant compensation would be akin to buying off a life.

Beth glanced at Nathael. His expression was cool, his gaze sharp and unyielding—devoid of the warmth they’d shared growing up, making Beth feel like a stranger. A stabbing pain, intense and suffocating, pierced her chest. She had intended the watches as her and Nathael's wedding gifts, then engagement gifts, and now, for their impending marriage, she'd often polish them, anticipating presenting them after their engagement party. Yet, Maggie wanted them! All her thought and care had been for herself and Nathael, not Maggie. The thought of Maggie wearing them with Nathael was unbearable.

"I have another pair of watches, a different style but of comparable value," Beth said, locking eyes with Maggie, her voice steady.

"Do you see me as a beggar, Miss Bray?" Maggie interrupted sharply.

Beth's expression darkened. "Things we like are liked for their sake, not their value. Miss Bray's sincerity seems lacking."

Beth clenched her fists, looking into Maggie's mocking eyes. She hadn't anticipated Maggie's desire for those watches.

"How about this? I'll offer Ms. Adam another pair of watches plus a city villa," Beth conceded, realizing she shouldn't prolong this. The longer she resisted, the more it highlighted the watches' importance to her, and her lack of sincerity. Yet, she'd spent nearly a year acquiring them and couldn't bear to part with them.

Before Maggie could speak, Nathael, seemingly annoyed, said gravely, "If Ms. Bray is unwilling to part with them, I shall visit Master Bray. He will ensure fair play." Beth's eyes reddened. Had things gone differently—had the driver not taken the blame, and had Nathael not confronted her grandfather for another woman—her grandfather would have demanded an explanation. She was clearly at a disadvantage. Family reputation was paramount in high society, and her grandfather would compel her to give up the watches.

"Let's go," Nathael said, taking Maggie's hand.

Beth, after a moment's struggle, closed her eyes and decided, "I'll send the watches to Ms. Adam."

Maggie smiled. "Thank you, Ms. Bray, for your generosity."

Beth had given the watches, meant for Nathael, to another woman. Besides reluctance, she felt a deeper sense of humiliation.

As Maggie walked past, she paused, tilted her head, and whispered, "Oh! I forgot to mention, Ms. Bray, the whole pregnancy was a joke between Nathael and me. I didn't expect you to take it seriously."