Chapter 263: Joyce

Maggie froze for a few seconds, then noticed his calm demeanor—his eyes deep and obscure, apparently unmoved by her seduction. Her throat tightened, leaving her momentarily speechless. This man, who usually succumbed easily to her charms, now appeared frighteningly indifferent. Despite her efforts to arouse desire, he remained unswayed.

"Compensate me?" Nathael let out a self-deprecating laugh, his eyes icy. Maggie was speechless for a long time, finally managing only, "If you don't want to, then forget it."

The awkwardness of rejection, the embarrassment of her exposed motives, and the frustration of her tangled thoughts—Maggie's mood couldn't have been worse. Nathael fared no better.

Maggie lay on the bed, her back to him, falling silent. Nathael swallowed, as if to speak, but only managed, "Get some sleep."

After the door closed, leaving her alone, Maggie's tears fell, betraying her emotions. She never knew she could be so prone to tears. Even with her eyes gouged and her beauty destroyed in her past life, she hadn't cried as much as in these recent days. It felt as if she had experienced every imaginable sorrow.

She'd been rejected, hadn't she? At a time when she was willing to advance, but he was not.

Maggie tossed and turned for a long time, unable to sleep. Eventually, she got up, poured a drink, and went to the study to continue working on the brooch she was designing for him. After some hammering and tinkering, it was nearly complete, only a few details remaining.

Maggie looked at the brooch. Its main stone was a sapphire, complemented by yellow diamonds. She fell into a trance. Was he angry? Yes, probably.

Just then, Joyce called. Maggie hesitated before answering, "Maggie, I'm back in town." Her voice was soft and pleasant.

"Are you home? Shall I pick you up?" Maggie stood instinctively, then remembered Joyce was at the airport.

"I'm home. Mia mentioned your foot injury; should I come see you?" Joyce asked warmly, her voice as refreshing as rain-washed air, always a comfort.

"Sure, bring Mia. You both can stay tonight."

Joyce's return lifted Maggie's spirits somewhat. Joyce had been diligently working in the entertainment industry. While not at the top, she still had a level of recognition, requiring a low profile. When in Aquapolis, they usually gathered at home.

Maggie exhaled softly. Despite her discomfort, she tidied the room and ordered food from their favorite private kitchen. Half an hour later, Joyce arrived.

A slender figure in a hoodie and cap stood at the door, a large black mask concealing her face, her head slightly bowed out of habit. When Maggie opened the door, tears welled in her eyes.

"Joyce!"

Maggie hugged her. Joyce returned the hug, revealing eyes as radiant as morning dew.

"Maggie, it's been a while," Joyce said warmly, her eyes filled with joy.

Maggie welcomed her inside. Joyce changed her shoes, removed her coat and hat, and took off her mask, revealing casually tousled chestnut hair and a cool, distant visage. Her eyes sparkled; her nose was high, and her cheeks held a faint blush. Each feature, while not stunning individually, combined to create striking beauty. The entertainment industry was never lacking in beauty, but Joyce possessed an ethereal grace. An aura of detached coolness surrounded her—soothing yet unapproachable. Like an angel, she was to be admired from afar, not trifled with.

"I'll shower. Mia said she's getting wine and will be here soon," Joyce said softly.

Knowing Joyce must be weary from her flight, dodging fans, and the tension, Maggie felt sympathy.

"I'll get your clothes," Maggie offered gently.

"I can get them. What happened to your foot?" Joyce asked, clearly worried.

"That's a long story."

Shortly after, Mia directed the driver, carrying an array of wine bottles, to set them down. Maggie sighed inwardly; Mia was never one to sit still.

"Joyce, my darling! I've missed you so much! You've been gone so long, leaving Maggie and me alone! That's cruel!"

Maggie laughed. "There are two of us; that's not alone."

Mia kicked off her shoes and arranged the wine. "Then what? Single? You and Nathael are lovey-dovey, and I'm left entertaining boyfriends daily!"

Joyce chuckled. "Aren't they delightful?"

Maggie fell silent for a few seconds.

Mia pouted and settled onto the sofa. "It's fun at first, then it gets old."

Maggie was used to Mia's antics. Her friend was a spoiled, rich girl with money to burn.

"Your young boyfriends will be devastated," Joyce remarked.

Mia propped her head up. "If they can't make me happy, that's on them. I'm the one spending the big bucks!"

After more chatting, Joyce showered. Mia, already freshened up, changed clothes and joined Maggie at the coffee table to watch a romantic movie, snacking and sipping.

"Maggie, are you upset? Your eyes are red. Did that jerk bully you?" Mia asked, frowning as she scrutinized her friend.

Just then, Joyce emerged from the bathroom, drying her hair. "I'm hungry," she announced.

"If I could sell shots of you fresh from the bathroom, those rich kids would go crazy," Mia teased.

Joyce laughed. "Alright. Split the money."

Maggie remained silent, the conversation reminding her of a past life memory involving Joyce. Indeed, Joyce attracted heirs and scions. Perhaps it was her rare celestial aura and aloof demeanor that ignited the desire for conquest in those born into wealth who could easily obtain anything they desired.