Chapter 28: Any Gift For Me?

"Next week," Nathael said softly. He added, "Hold onto the watch for me for now."

Maggie fell silent. In her previous life, Nathael had altered his schedule and rushed back from Ecroabar because of her invitation, even though he knew she was using him. This thought tightened her chest. She considered the overtime he worked to return early, the troubles he encountered, and the opportunities he might have missed.

Noticing her prolonged silence, Nathael put down his pen, rose, and walked to the French window. "What's wrong?" he asked softly.

"Nothing. I just miss you," Maggie replied, snapping back to reality. Then, impulsively, she asked, "Why are you so good to me, Mr. Harris?" In all her memories of Nathael, she'd never been kind to him. Yet, even when she deeply disappointed him, he remained so good.

Nathael's Adam's apple bobbed. He gazed at the Ecroabar-style ancient buildings outside and remained silent for a long time.

Maggie, likely expecting no answer, chuckled. "Mr. Harris, I wish you all the best in Ecroabar, and may you achieve great success."

His gaze softened. He grunted lightly. "Hmm."

"I'll take good care of your watch. See you next week."

"See you next week."

Assured Nathael wouldn't return early, Maggie relaxed. Reclining on the sofa, she fiddled with his expensive watch. The silver-white dial, navy blue surface, and diamond at the twelve o'clock position captivated her. The beautifully crafted back, with its slowly rotating gears, held a mesmerizing charm; the design was understated yet luxurious.

After ending the call, Nathael stood before the French window for a long time. The business cooperation discussion was only halfway through, but he already looked forward to going home.

After a while, he called Alex in and instructed, in a deep voice, "Reinvestigate the Camerons. Focus on everything related to Maggie. Also, reinvestigate Joseph."

"Yes," Alex replied.

After Alex left, Nathael's phone rang. He received a text message.

Maggie, having played on the sofa for a while, had sent another message: 'Mr. Harris, I've been keeping your watch for so many days. Are you going to bring me a gift?' Nathael chuckled. He replied, "There's compensation."

Maggie, recalling their previous conversation about compensation, fell back onto the sofa, her face flushed, and dared not cause further trouble.

The next day, at five in the evening, the Camerons' banquet was held at the Grand Stellar Hotel in Aquapolis. The banquet hall's Ecroabar-inspired décor—white hues and numerous light blue roses—created a refreshing and cozy atmosphere.

As the host and daughter of the Camerons, Maggie arrived early. Olivia immediately sent a servant to invite her upstairs. "Maggie, I've specially ordered a set of jewelry and picked out some gowns for you. Take a look and see which you like."

Olivia enthusiastically led her to a dressing table. Maggie was used to this—the typical Cameron style. For public occasions, either Olivia or Madam Cameron generously arranged everything for her. However, these items often ended up with the manipulative Sierra.

Maggie used to believe the Camerons were kind. She readily gave Sierra anything she requested, and even overlooked Olivia borrowing her things under various pretexts, promising their return when needed—a promise never kept. Maggie naturally never asked for her belongings back.

Outsiders only saw Maggie at every banquet, dressed in the latest and most expensive clothes, envying her seemingly generous and loving family. Maggie sarcastically thought, Indeed, I am quite a sight for sore eyes to outsiders.

"You always spoil her," Olivia said to Maggie. "Don't worry, Sierra is the star of today's banquet. I took her to choose a style this morning. Yours is different. We've chosen these gowns for you. Which do you prefer?" Olivia's words, though insincere, sounded genuine.

Maggie obediently examined the gowns and chose a simple white dress.

"Isn't this gown too plain?" Olivia asked.

"It's fine. I'm not the star of the banquet. This is perfect," Maggie softly insisted.

Olivia nodded, then personally presented the jewelry. "Take a look at these. This jewelry was specially ordered for you. Do you like it?"

A luxurious diamond necklace with a teardrop emerald centerpiece captivated Maggie. Matching teardrop earrings completed the set. Under the light, the gems' brilliance was dazzling.

"It's beautiful," Maggie sincerely admired. While Olivia's concern was feigned, the gems were real, the design fashionable.

"I've hired your previous stylist and makeup artist. You can get ready here. I'll go check on Sierra," Olivia said, seating Maggie before the vanity mirror.

The stylist didn't begin until Olivia left. She sighed, "Ms. Adam, your mother treats you very well."

Maggie smiled, "Yes, I agree."

Looking at the servants and the valuable jewelry and gowns, who wouldn't think they were kind to her?

An hour later, the makeup artist announced, "Ms. Adam, it's done."

A gasp filled the room. "You're so beautiful! Like a swan!" "What do you mean swan? She's clearly a goddess!"

Maggie stood before the full-length mirror, dazed. How long had it been since she'd seen herself like this? Since her disfigurement and blindness, the world had seemed filled with hatred and darkness. Those tough and desperate days if not for her hatred of Nathael… if not for him… Maggie, who hadn't understood before, suddenly did. During those times when she thought they were entangled and hurting each other, he was actually healing her.