Chapter 27: When Will You Return?

A week later, at the Cameron residence.

Olivia spoke to Maggie gently. "Maggie, Sierra won first place in the international piano competition. We're planning a banquet to celebrate. However, as you know, the government-owned Herschire Cultural Center is currently undergoing a bidding process. We plan to use this opportunity to showcase the Cameron family's construction capabilities."

Maggie nodded cooperatively. "Mom, don't worry. I've heard about the Herschire Cultural Center project. If our family wins the bid, I'll do my best to design it."

Olivia nodded in satisfaction. Maggie smiled, seemingly eager to begin.

The Cameron family's primary focus was construction, but they were also involved in real estate and hotels. Ambitious, they had recently planned to expand into the clothing and jewelry industries. However, despite this expansion, construction remained their priority. Unfortunately, the construction industry had been sluggish in recent years, unlike the thriving jewelry industry of their rivals, the Adams family—a fact that greatly upset the Camerons.

Coincidentally, Maggie had always been interested in jewelry and fashion design. However, as an adopted child, she chose architectural design in college. Perhaps because both fields were design-related, she found similarities between them. Grateful for the Camerons' generosity, she worked exceptionally hard, graduating from the country's most prestigious architecture program and winning several national and international design competitions. She was considered a rising star.

Now, however, the Cameron family's design team was experiencing a decline in skill. After seeing Maggie's success, they had high expectations for her.

Olivia looked at Maggie, as if she had more to say.

Maggie affectionately took her arm. "Mom, is there something else?"

Olivia said softly, "I shouldn't ask this, but you know about the family's financial difficulties. I was wondering if you could invite Mr. Harris to the banquet tomorrow"

"If Mr. Harris attends, it will suggest a connection between our families, making future collaborations easier to discuss."

Maggie smirked, but remained silent.

Olivia felt uncomfortable under her gaze. But when she looked again, Maggie's expression was understanding, devoid of mockery. Maggie was grateful to the family; they had always treated her well. There was no reason for her to feel otherwise.

"Mom, I'd like to help, but after what happened at the hotel, Nathael will deny it, believing we're scheming against him. He won't come." Olivia looked disappointed.

In truth, inviting Nathael was solely to elevate Sierra's status. The banquet was in Sierra's honor, and Nathael's presence would draw attention to her. Olivia hoped, however unlikely, that Nathael might even like Sierra, elevating both her daughter and the Cameron family.

Olivia knew the chances were slim, but every mother hopes for their child's success.

Maggie saw through Olivia's plan and smiled wryly. In her previous life, Olivia had made the same request, and despite her dislike of Nathael, Maggie had agreed. Nathael had arrived late but attended, and Sierra had fallen instantly in love with him, subsequently developing a resentment toward Maggie, who was often seen with Nathael.

"Ah, you're right. I was desperate. I shouldn't have asked; it would only hurt you," Olivia said contritely.

"Mom, I understand your concerns."

Relieved, Olivia changed the subject. "What's going on with you and Joseph? He's been in a bad mood since he returned. Did you two fight?"

Maggie said softly, "Mom, we're not compatible. It's better to clarify things now and maintain our familial bond, rather than risk a falling out. I don't want to put you and Dad in a difficult position."

Olivia was shocked. Maggie and Joseph had always been close, and Olivia had witnessed Maggie's affection for her son.

But now

Olivia hadn't expected Maggie to let go. Without Joseph's connection, Olivia wasn't sure how long Maggie would continue working hard for the Camerons.

"What what's going on? Weren't you and Joseph always close?" Olivia asked tentatively, watching Maggie carefully.

Maggie gave a bitter smile. "Mom, what we had may not have been love. We've grown up, and have our own lives. Besides, he likes someone else. I shouldn't interfere with his happiness."

"Someone he likes? Isn't his favorite person you?" Olivia frowned.

Maggie shook her head, saying nothing more. There was no point; she wouldn't tarnish Joseph's image. She would let them discover his affair with Vanessa themselves.

"Don't rush into anything. There might be a misunderstanding. I'll talk to him later," Olivia said, patting Maggie's hand, her mind filled with worry.

Leaving the Camerons, Maggie's smile vanished. Her cold eyes showed no hurt or resentment, only a chilling frostiness. If they could play games, so could she.

Arriving home, Maggie bathed, but Olivia's words echoed in her mind. Unable to calm herself, she messaged Nathael: "Mr. Harris, where are you?"

Realizing it was inappropriate, the message had already been sent. Maggie leaned against the sofa, uneasy.

Seconds later, Nathael called. Surprised, she answered, "Mr. Harris."

"I'm in Ecroabar." His voice was soft and pleasant, inexplicably comforting.

Maggie's heart raced. It felt as if the call had immersed her heart in honey. She glanced at her watch. "You left your watch here. When when will you be returning?"