Chapter 282: Abrupt Change

Olivia attempted to lighten the mood, but she, too, had seen the scathing online comments; it was a complete disaster. They had hoped Sierra's performance would win over fans and generate interest in Luster Corporation and its brand. The reality, however, was far from ideal. Sierra's performance was met with ridicule, and the company came under scrutiny, with some even claiming the jewelry was as mediocre as Sierra's purported piano prodigy status.

"You've witnessed Sierra's dedication over the years," Olivia lamented, disheartened by Sierra's recent decline. "Surely, this recent setback must be due to illness."

Ronald let out a cold chuckle. "Don't think I'm unaware of your schemes!" he rebuked. "You stopped Maggie's piano lessons because she showed talent. She's my enemy's daughter, so I turned a blind eye. Yet, look at the consequences of indulging Sierra all these years! If only I had realized earlier and focused on nurturing Maggie instead!"

His tone was stern, and his disappointment in Sierra was evident.

Trying to change the subject, Olivia remarked, "Speaking of Maggie, she seems quite shrewd. Despite her teachers' claims of a lack of talent, her piano skills are exceptional. She's quite cunning." Ronald fell silent, lost in thought.

"We've barely heard her mentioned over the years," Olivia cautioned. "If it weren't for her brief performance at the party, I would have believed she never touched the piano again. Remember, Maggie isn't our child; we need to be cautious."

Her words were slow and deliberate. She understood that Ronald's outburst about Maggie being his enemy's daughter was uncharacteristic. For years, they had avoided mentioning Maggie's lineage to avoid raising suspicions. Ronald's loss of rationality was apparent.

Olivia sighed. After all, Sierra was her daughter, and no matter how much Olivia tried to help, she couldn't change the fact that Sierra wasn't meeting expectations.

"I'm aware of this," Ronald said sternly.

Olivia nodded. "I'm glad to hear that," she advised. "I just feel that over the past two years, she has become increasingly uncontrollable. I worry about raising someone who will turn on us."

"Enough!" Ronald snapped. "Get Sierra home immediately and have her explain herself! Does she even realize how much she has ruined my plan?"

His mood was foul. If they couldn't secure financing and weren't willing to give up the company, his family would have to mortgage more assets. He knew of Nathael's tactics. He had a connection with Maggie now, but his wife was right—Maggie was not to be trusted. Besides, who could say for sure that Nathael wasn't harboring the same intentions, planning to use Maggie to take over the Camerons? No one willingly relinquishes benefits already in their grasp. Ronald wouldn't be foolish enough to trust Nathael completely, but without financing and with banks unwilling to lend, he had no other choice.

Meanwhile, Maggie and Nathael waited for Sierra's competition results. Surprisingly, Sierra scraped through to the next round. Despite numerous mistakes in her performance, the scores of the other contestants were also suppressed, revealing flaws in their performances. With the help of some bizarre scores from a few judges and an inexplicably high number of audience votes, Sierra barely advanced.

Sierra breathed a sigh of relief. Maggie was rather indifferent to the result. She wasn't surprised, yet tinged with inevitable disappointment. After all, Sierra's advancement undoubtedly came at the expense of someone who had worked hard.

"Are you upset?" Nathael asked softly.

"It's not exactly easy to accept the unfairness," Maggie replied, "but I realize the world has never been entirely fair. From the moment people are born, they're divided not only by social class but also by wealth and status. Some amass fortunes on looks alone, while others toil endlessly and still fall short of those blessed with beauty. In principle, I understand, but perhaps I'm just an ordinary person who can't completely let go of that notion."

Nathael intertwined his fingers with hers. "Cheating is just part of the game," he said softly. "Some will go to any lengths to win."

Maggie glanced at Sierra's beaming face onstage before rising. "I think I'll go to the restroom," she said.

Nathael stood and offered, "I'll accompany you. We can grab something to eat afterward."

After a moment's consideration, Maggie agreed. After all, there weren't many performances left, and leaving together would likely attract attention from reporters and the media—she might not be famous, but Nathael certainly was. "Okay," she said.

Nathael protected Maggie as they left the audience area. Walking down the corridor, he held her hand. "What would you like to eat? I'll have Alex book a place," he asked softly.

Maggie smiled. "What would you like?"

His birthday was the day after tomorrow. She planned to bake a cake the following day and buy some of his favorite dishes. Maybe they'd go for a walk after dinner and watch a movie. For days, she had carried the brooch she'd made in her bag, intending to give it to him.

Nathael gazed into her eyes, kissing her forehead. "It's up to you," he whispered.

Maggie chuckled. "I'll think about it."

"Alright."

Maggie went into the restroom while Nathael waited outside. The thought of Nathael's upcoming birthday spontaneously lifted her spirits. Perhaps it was the thought of making up for regrets from a past life that made her find satisfaction in the present. She always hoped she could leave him with beautiful memories to bring him warmth and happiness.

Emerging from the restroom and about to touch up her makeup, Maggie saw the reflection of a strange man in the mirror. He was tall, with a mixed-race appearance, curly hair, and deep, chilling features.

Startled, Maggie gasped, her heart racing. She was about to scream, but the man was fast. He covered her mouth and nose with a chloroform-soaked cloth.

Maggie held her breath, struggling to make a sound. Her eyes bloodshot as her fingers reached for a glass aromatherapy bottle, trying to call for help. "Nat hmm!"

The man was clearly skilled and stronger, keeping her subdued. Since he stood behind her, she had no chance to resist. Unable to reach the bottle, she tried to grab his hair and stomp on his foot with her high heels. He wore boots and was unaffected. His height rendered her frantic efforts useless. He knocked her unconscious with a sharp blow to the back of her neck, easily reading her intent. Before losing consciousness, Maggie tore off one of her earrings and flung it under the washbasin, leaving a clue.