Chapter 271: Dangerous Pleasure!

Ronald hesitated, realizing he’d never defended Maggie. He composed himself. "Sierra and Maggie have been close since childhood. A misunderstanding arose this year, but once resolved, everything will return to normal. Mr. Harris, I assure you Sierra will receive appropriate guidance."

Turning to Sierra, Ronald saw her lower her head. She wasn't foolish. "I spoke without thinking. Forgive me, Mr. Harris."

Nathael watched, his mood unchanged. He considered Maggie’s deserved life of luxury and protection, contrasted with the hardships inflicted by her family's schemes and exploitation—hardships only she truly understood.

Solemnly, Nathael said, "For Maggie's sake, I won't pursue this further."

Ronald and Sierra sighed in relief. Ronald quickly added, "Mr. Harris, Sierra will apologize personally to Maggie."

Nathael said indifferently, "Ms. Cameron must have been frightened. Ethan, give her a gift as compensation."

Sierra was stunned, momentarily forgetting the pain on her face. A gift? Compensation? Is he serious?

Ronald remained impassive, unsurprised; this was simply Nathael's characteristic harsh lesson followed by a conciliatory gesture.

Ethan approached with a tray holding a steaming cup of freshly boiled water. The mist clung to the cup, steam rising continuously. Sierra instinctively recoiled, her unease amplified by the sight of the boiling water.

Ronald frowned. "What does this mean, Mr. Harris?"

Nathael’s thin lips tightened, his eyes narrowed. "Ms. Cameron had better watch her mouth. Another insulting word about Maggie, and I won't be merciful!"

Sierra trembled, tears welling in her eyes, her breath shallow. She remained silent, fearing Ethan might pour the water on her.

Ronald, feeling Nathael's mercilessness, was furious. "Let's go!" he snapped at Sierra, leaving, utterly humiliated.

59%

D

After her injuries, Maggie stayed home for a few days, practicing piano and making a brooch for Nathael. He called several times, but she didn't answer, and he eventually stopped. She didn't want to see him, not out of anger, but embarrassment. Having lived two lifetimes, she rarely took initiative; when she did, she was rebuffed. Recent events weighed heavily on her, prompting her self-imposed seclusion.

Mia had school commitments, so after two days with Maggie and Joyce, she returned. Joyce had about half a month before filming began. Aside from a magazine shoot, she had little else planned, and stayed to keep Maggie company.

Maggie practiced piano and worked on her design; Joyce read scripts, tended her flowers, and occasionally danced to maintain her fitness. Maggie found a rare calm until the eve of the competition, when she finished the brooch for Nathael.

"What do you think?" Maggie asked Joyce, her eyes filled with anticipation, handing her the brooch.

Joyce examined it carefully. It was striking: a symmetrical, vintage octagon, set with diamonds and a central sea-blue gemstone, flanked by yellow stones, adding warmth. Two tassels hung below, adding dynamism.

"It's beautiful! Magical! Orderly yet lively, clean yet warm. Does it have a name?" Joyce asked.

Maggie smiled. "Turn it over."

Joyce hesitated, then flipped the brooch, astonished. "Tuberose? How did you do that? It's incredible!"

The front, gem-studded, showed no sign of the hidden design. Flipped over, it revealed a silver-white tuberose crafted from tiny diamonds.

"It was difficult," Maggie said softly. "The symbolism of tuberose is dangerous pleasure." She'd considered bellflower (enduring love, but also desperate love), but felt it too sad. The tuberose felt right. Each moment with Nathael felt like stolen happiness, shadowed by death, yet intoxicating. It was the most dangerous pleasure, the most irresistible love.

Joyce was dazed. Maggie's designs were always unique, but this brooch felt different. The octagonal front resembled a throne, embodying tenderness and hope, cold and noble; the tuberose on the back, a wild gambler on a deathly spree, clinging to romantic belief as it withered.

"The symmetrical design can be a brooch or bow tie. I'm a genius!" Maggie exclaimed. "What should we call it?" asked Joyce.

"Dangerous Pleasure," Maggie replied.

"Nathael will love it," Joyce said softly.

Maggie smiled, her eyes sparkling. He always cherished her gifts; he would love this one. If not, she'd cry in front of him.

"I designed some jewelry for you, take it when you go back," Maggie said, pulling out several boxes.

Joyce, in the entertainment industry, needed jewelry more than Maggie. She wasn't an A-lister and refused to conform to unspoken rules; resources were limited. Plain jewelry was mocked, and borrowing luxury items was impossible. Maggie designed custom pieces whenever she could. Joyce didn't care, but Maggie wouldn't let her be mocked.