Chapter 30: Don't Mess With Me

"Really? She'll do that?" someone asked, turning to Sierra.

"Yeah, Sierra, maybe you should let it go," someone said. "The banquet's already started. If you change your jewelry and outfit now, they might not match." Sierra refused to listen.

"Who said anything about changing?" she retorted. "She spoils me the most. If I ask her, she'll definitely take it off and give it to me."

Sierra omitted the fact that the emerald necklace around Maggie's neck was worth approximately three thousand dollars—a fraction of the value of her own. Naturally, she wouldn't exchange them. After all, the jewelry would eventually be hers; what difference did the timing make?

"You girls, wait for me here. I'll go to my sister," she announced, lifting her skirt and walking toward Maggie with a proud, yet superficial and laughable, air.

A group of people watched, one murmuring, "Isn't it inappropriate for Sierra to do this?"

"Forget it," another replied. "It's their family matter."

The others remained silent.

Meanwhile, Maggie, alongside Olivia, gracefully greeted guests. Soon, Sierra approached, affectionately taking Maggie's hand. "Maggie," she said softly, "I need to talk to you." She then pulled Maggie to a secluded corner.

Maggie smiled. "What's the matter? You're being so secretive."

"Can you lend me your necklace?" Sierra whined. "My friends think mine isn't as beautiful as yours."

Maggie's gaze turned cold. She quietly observed the seemingly innocent girl before her, responding with a half-smile.

Sierra, not receiving the expected immediate consent, felt uneasy. She continued to shake Maggie's arm, pleading, "Please, Maggie?"

Maggie replied calmly, "You already chose between two necklaces. You're not a child."

Sierra's expression changed. "What do you mean?"

Maggie found her sister's reaction laughable. How could she have missed the malice and ruthlessness hidden beneath Sierra's "innocence" in her previous life? She'd always considered Sierra young and considerate, but beneath the harmless facade was a cruel heart.

After more than a decade of living together, Maggie still didn't understand the Camerons' indifference. Shouldn't there be some affection after so many years?

Maggie's smile faded as she looked coldly at her sister. "Sierra, the banquet is about to start. That necklace doesn't suit you; it's inappropriate to change it now."

Sierra was shocked by her sister's refusal. She hadn't expected this from the usually accommodating and obedient Maggie.

"Don't forget that everything you have is from my family!" Sierra snarled. "If I hadn't given it to you, you wouldn't have a penny!"

Maggie didn't deny it. When she'd been blinded and disfigured, Sierra had been the last person she'd suspected. How innocent could someone who'd done that to her be?

"I'm sorry, Mom gave me this necklace," Maggie repeated, her expression cold.

This was unprecedented for Sierra. She couldn't understand Maggie's sudden change. She grabbed Maggie's arm again. "Do you have a misunderstanding? Did someone talk to you?"

"I'm your sister! Even if we're not blood-related, I've always considered you my sister."

Maggie chuckled, her gaze softening slightly. "I'm doing this for your own good. Otherwise, you'll suffer. As sisters, I can't let you have your way this time. I've indulged you before, but even real siblings don't always give in."

Sierra's frustration made her pale. Maggie smiled gently, but her eyes remained cold. Sierra's maliciousness, coupled with her lack of cunning, always betrayed her emotions.

Reflecting on the past, Sierra had once vowed to ruin Maggie. Maggie had dismissed it as youthful impulsiveness, never believing their decade-long relationship was a farce. "Also, Sierra, you're a Cameron daughter, but you're still just a girl. The family wealth is destined for our brother. Our parents might tolerate your willfulness, but Joseph might not. When you have nothing left, you'll have to control your temper." Maggie subtly sowed discord between Sierra and Joseph, hinting at their already strained relationship. She planned to plant a seed of doubt in Sierra's heart.

"Maggie, stop pretending! Who do you think you are to lecture me? You have to give me that necklace!" Sierra's demeanor hardened when she realized Maggie wouldn't yield. "In that case, we're done."

Maggie's expression turned cold. She turned and left.

"Stop! If you don't give me the necklace, you're not going anywhere!" Sierra lunged forward, displeased. She'd bragged to her friends and needed that necklace. Her pride was at stake.

Maggie, relying on her family's resources, shouldn't dare defy her. Abruptly turning, Maggie grabbed Sierra's wrist and dragged her into a secluded corner.

Then, Sierra felt something cold against her neck—a dagger. Maggie held it to Sierra's skin.

"If you don't want to attend the banquet with a scarred face, don't provoke me," Maggie said, smiling.

"Youyou" Sierra's face went pale. Terror gripped her as she met Maggie's captivating gaze. Her body stiffened, overwhelmed by fear.