Chapter 261: She Hides Something From Me

It wasn't hard to guess that Beth's rash actions against Maggie stemmed from the belief that Maggie was pregnant, leading to a desperate act. Maggie could even picture the scenario Beth had concocted: a calculated scheme resulting in Maggie ending up in Nathael's bed. Nathael, out of responsibility, would care for her—only to have her use the child as leverage to secure her position. But no matter how Beth imagined it, it was all a farce.

Beth looked at Maggie incredulously, her pupils dilating with shock, followed by an overwhelming wave of anger.

"Maggie Adam!" Beth hissed, the words squeezed out through clenched teeth; her fury was evident in every pore.

Maggie responded with a smirk, tinged with innocence. "I never thought you'd take a joke so seriously."

Beth bit her lip, her eyes reddening. She hadn't expected this. Perhaps she could dismiss it if it were solely Maggie's account, but Nathael had participated—how could she not believe it? Maggie withdrew her gaze and left with Nathael.

Passing Ronald, she said, "Dad, I don't want people to think our family has fallen so low that we'd use this situation to profit from the Brays. So, I took it upon myself to obtain a pair of watches from them; you wouldn't hold it against me, would you?"

Ronald's face darkened. "What are you talking about? Do you think I'm greedy? You did well; I was only going to seek justice on your behalf." Seeing Ronald struggle to maintain his composure was immensely satisfying for Maggie.

"I knew you wouldn't mind," she said sweetly.

Ronald managed a smile. "It's perfect that you got those watches. You and Mr. Harris can wear them together. You two are an attractive couple; it'll be a lovely sight."

"Dad, I wanted to mention this. Once Ms. Bray delivers the watches, I'll have them sent to you and Mom. I haven't really bought you anything over the years; consider this a token of my filial piety," Maggie said. This time, both Ronald and Nathael were surprised.

Nathael glanced at her. Maggie's face was radiant, her almond eyes clear and sincere, making it impossible to refuse her.

Ronald hesitated. He stammered, "This might not be appropriate."

"What do you think, Nathael?" Maggie asked, turning to him.

He nodded. "It's perfectly suitable. It's Maggie's thoughtful gesture; please accept it with peace of mind."

"Since Mr. Harris has spoken and it's Maggie's heartfelt gesture, I shall accept it graciously."

What else could Ronald say? He'd rather have substantial compensation from the Brays and Nathael's support than a mere pair of fancy watches! Observing the stiff wrinkles around Ronald's eyes, Maggie felt triumphantly vindictive. She had managed to disgust two people with one gesture. Beth probably assumed she and Nathael would wear the matching watches, didn't she? That thought would likely infuriate and consume her with jealousy. What a pity that Maggie found the idea distasteful and had no intention of sharing Beth's things with Nathael. She wondered what Beth's reaction would be when she saw Ronald and Olivia wearing the watches. Maggie reveled in the mischief, considering herself quite the scoundrel.

No sooner had they left the banquet hall than Nathael swept her into his arms. Maggie was caught off guard. She instinctively clung to his neck and asked, "What are you doing? People are still watching!"

"We're going to the hospital," Nathael said with a frown, clearly dissatisfied with Maggie's recent string of injuries.

Maggie stopped complaining but worried he might take her to see Leslie. Upon reflection, since Leslie had previously examined her and failed to detect the poison, she doubted he would be able to identify it now. She sighed. How had Samuel detected it? Was it so obvious from her appearance alone? She had seen many doctors; only Samuel, the eldest, had noticed something amiss from her appearance alone.

Lost in thought, Maggie felt her victory over Beth had lifted much of the heaviness from her heart. Since the injury wasn't severe, Nathael took her to a nearby private hospital. After receiving treatment and instructions from the doctor, Maggie finally unwound on the way home.

Nathael prepared her clothes and bath. He rested only after Maggie had bathed, changed, and settled into bed. "Two types of pills, twice a day, two each time," he instructed, handing her the medication.

Maggie grimaced as she swallowed the bitter pills.

Nathael gently stroked her hair. "Good girl," he whispered.

Maggie looked up at him. She hesitated before asking, "Is Nolan still protecting me?"

His gaze was deep. He remained silent, likely guessing her thoughts. Without answering, he said, "Timothy is dangerous. Beth and the Camerons have malicious intentions."

Maggie laughed, marveling at his shrewdness. After a pause, she said, "If Timothy and Beth really intend to harm me, Nolan alone couldn't stop them. We can't always be on guard."

She didn't mention the Camerons; she held leverage against them since learning they had poisoned her. For example, it was possible to drive Sierra mad.

After a long silence, Nathael spoke slowly, "You don't like Nolan reporting everything to me."

Maggie remained silent. That was the crux of the matter. Before, she had been indifferent, as she had nothing to hide. But now, she couldn't allow Nathael's people around her. Secrets seemed poised to burst forth. Maggie wasn't naive; she understood gratitude, right from wrong, and the importance of privacy and freedom. If not for these secrets, she would have welcomed Nathael's people. However, harboring secrets felt like constantly walking on thin ice.

"Maggie, you're hiding something from me," Nathael said, his gaze intense with pain and anxiety. He noticed the distance between them and her subtle efforts to keep him at bay. Despite their intimacy, she seemed torn between drawing closer and pulling away.

Maggie's heart raced, and her throat tightened, sensing his acute sensitivity.