Chapter 3: Don't Push Your Luck

Joseph had been waiting, his eyes filled with anxiety, showing no concern for Maggie.

Maggie blamed herself for her foolishness. "Why didn't I see through him sooner? He's nothing but a hypocrite!" Meeting her blood-red gaze, Joseph was taken aback. "Maggie, I know you're upset, but we must be realistic. We need to fight for more benefits; otherwise, we're taking a loss."

"Nathael didn't agree to the Chronopolis project."

Maggie lowered her eyes, hiding her disgust. She couldn't fall out with Joseph yet; she needed to catch them off guard. She still had much to figure out. Joseph frowned, dissatisfied.

"What about the data you copied?" Maggie remembered being deceived by the Camerons' lies and copying business secrets from Nathael's computer. Even knowing everything, Nathael had complied with her request. It was ridiculous—she and the Camerons thought they'd outsmarted him, but they hadn't realized they were trampling on his sincerity and trust!

A tightness in her chest made breathing difficult.

"It's on my phone. My phone's dead. I'll send it to you when I get home."

Joseph's face lit up. "Maggie, don't worry. I will avenge you one day and step on Nathael!"

A hint of mockery flashed in Maggie's eyes. She would repay her past life's debts in this life. If they wanted to hurt Nathael, they would have to go over her dead body first!

"I have another plan for the Chronopolis project. Last night, someone photographed you and Nathael entering and leaving the guest room together. We could hold a press conference and expose the Polar Night Club's plagiarism and Nathael's 'indecent conduct.' I don't believe he'll disagree then!"

Joseph's gaze was calculating. Maggie's heart sank. Polar Night was a top-tier entertainment club built by Nathael and the Adams. She had approached Nathael with her design in the club's early stages. He agreed to use it, unaware it was a trap.

The accusations of plagiarism and misconduct forever tarnished his reputation. Maggie remembered the disappointment in his eyes when she publicly accused him; it was heartbreaking.

After exchanging perfunctory words, she left Joseph. She had to find Nathael and prevent him from transferring the Chronopolis project to the Camerons. She found his number on her phone—fortunately, her collusion with the Camerons meant it was still saved. Unfortunately, he didn't answer.

Nathael sat in his office, watching his ringing phone with a gloomy gaze. After nearly twenty minutes, Maggie's call was answered.

A cold, impatient voice said, "Maggie, don't push your luck." He knew she wanted something, but he couldn't ignore her call; he couldn't harden his heart.

"Nathael."

Maggie's mind went blank.

"The Adams are the best partner for the Chronopolis project, not the Camerons."

He was telling the truth. Nathael had cooperated with the Camerons because of Maggie's scheming. The Camerons were corrupt, resorting to shortcuts and nepotism; lives were lost on the construction site, and Nathael bore the blame. The Adams lost the project and bought land in the eastern suburbs, only to discover a tomb, resulting in financial loss. Nathael's eyes turned cold. He didn't want to know her plans; she'd schemed for the Camerons and now regretted it. He probably thought she wanted more.

"The Chronopolis project is my biggest compromise. You should know when to stop."

The call ended. Maggie was speechless. Perhaps she had deceived him so often that he no longer believed her. Tears welled up; she laughed at herself. If she were in his shoes, she wouldn't believe in sudden change either.

But she had to prevent him from collaborating with the Camerons. She hailed a taxi and headed for the Emberglow Residence, where Nathael lived. She planned to explain face-to-face.

She waited at the entrance. It was a high-end district with strict security; the guards denied her access. As darkness fell, she wondered if she'd see Nathael.

At eight, a black Bentley arrived. Alex Solace recognized Maggie. He remained silent, fearing she would bother Nathael again. He was dissatisfied; Maggie's visits were never for good.

Alex glanced at Nathael, who sat in the back, pale and seemingly asleep, unaware of Maggie's presence. Alex accelerated to prevent interaction. Nathael, usually ruthless and decisive, seemed strangely captivated by Maggie. Only when the car entered the residence did Alex breathe a sigh of relief. However, Nathael opened his eyes and looked in the rearview mirror, seeing Maggie at the entrance.

Nathael's throat tightened.

After a moment, he said, "Reverse."

Alex seethed but obeyed, reversing to the entrance. Maggie waited anxiously. She hadn't remembered Nathael's license plate number, but as the Bentley reversed, she saw it. The window rolled down, revealing his cold, determined face. "Didn't I warn you not to appear in front of me again?"

Maggie was stunned, then quickly opened the car door and got in.

(Maggie's internal thoughts) Are you kidding me? I might not have had another chance to see you if I hadn't seized this opportunity.

Alex twitched. Nathael frowned. "Get out of the car!"

"I won't!"