Chapter 303: The Camerons' Luck Has Run Out

Maggie remained silent, realizing Master Harris had already acted. This explained Madam Cameron's earlier statement. She stayed hushed, saying nothing.

Ronald continued, "I hope you'll marry into the Harris family. But Nathael's position is quite high. Without Master Harris's approval, your chances are slim."

Maggie looked down and murmured, "Dad, I understand. Initially, I approached him to help the family, but I can't ignore his charm."

She neither denied nor overtly expressed her feelings for Nathael. Being too definite would seem suspicious and prompt more speculation from Ronald.

Ronald nodded. "As long as you know what you're doing. Mr. Harris controls the Spectral Port project. While some names are already on the list, if he agrees, the Camerons can still secure a share. Try to put some effort into it."

Maggie nodded. "Got it."

"Also, check out these projects—especially Atrium Mall and Florum Hot Springs. See if you can obtain internal documents and data," Ronald suggested slowly.

Maggie felt a hint of sarcasm. Internal data? What did that even mean? It was a thinly veiled suggestion to steal Nathael's data and documents.

Ronald, seeing Luster Corporation's losses, planned to refocus on the construction business. The Camerons were on the government's blacklist, forcing them to target other projects. The larger the project, the greater the potential profit.

Maggie figured these two projects were likely the largest the Camerons could realistically pursue. Even a partial share would be profitable.

"I'll try, but after what happened with Joseph last time, Mr. Harris has been cautious around me," Maggie replied.

Ronald understood. "Speaking of which, Joseph is getting engaged to Vanessa."

Maggie was shocked. This was unexpected. Joseph and Vanessa? Engaged? "So soon?"

Ronald nodded. "Joseph isn't getting any younger, and it's just an engagement for now. It'll take time to sort things out."

Maggie thought for a moment and said warmly, "As long as you and Mom are okay with it. I wish them well."

Ronald fell silent, his wrinkled face etched with a touch of bitterness as he looked at Maggie with slightly cloudy eyes. "Vanessa's background isn't ideal, but Joseph seems determined—whether out of spite or genuine affection. He insisted, so I agreed."

"For now, it's just an engagement. If they're meant to be, they'll marry. If not, they might not get that far."

Maggie's gaze turned cold as she silently assessed Ronald. He presented himself as a somewhat dissatisfied but helpless father, while openly revealing his materialism and hypocrisy.

It was difficult for Maggie to discern the truth amidst the deceit. However, she couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. How could things escalate so rapidly? Ronald always prioritized profit. While hinting at possible disapproval of their marriage, agreeing to Joseph's engagement with someone like Vanessa—considering her background—was a compromise in itself.

What could convince Joseph to compromise? Self-interest! But Vanessa had little influence. What advantages could she bring to the Camerons? The Adams?

Maggie's thoughts raced, but she maintained a calm demeanor.

"Dad, maybe you should talk to Joseph later to understand his true thoughts. Although things didn't work out between us, he's always been strategic. Perhaps he has other intentions." Maggie made small talk with Ronald until noticing his fatigue. She rose to leave.

As she reached for the doorknob, Ronald called out, "Maggie"

"Yes, Dad?" Maggie turned.

"Do you know that all the family's investments, based on the list you received from Nathael, have failed miserably?" Ronald's gaze was sharp, his cloudy eyes piercing, filled with inquiry and sternness.

His demeanor shifted dramatically. He was no longer the resigned, aged father, nor the burdened middle-aged man, nor even the cunning businessman. He resembled a fierce predator, baring his claws, scrutinizing her as if to pierce her soul.

Maggie gasped, nearly speechless. She furrowed her brow and repeated, "Every project failed?"

Ronald's voice was grave. "Yes, the five projects based on your initial investment plan."

Maggie furrowed her brow deeper. "Is there a specific reason? I glanced at some, and while I didn't understand them all, some seemed promising." Maggie remained noncommittal, and Ronald's demeanor softened. He sighed. "Two weren't necessarily poor projects, but plagued by misfortune and external factors. Nevermind. Perhaps it's just that the Camerons' luck has run out," Ronald mused, slumping in his chair, looking weary. The white hair at his temples accentuated his melancholy. In her previous life, Maggie might have been deceived by his façade. The Camerons, except for Sierra, were skilled actors.

However, after enduring numerous setbacks in her past life and manipulation in this one, Maggie knew better.

"Dad, things will get better. I'll try to gauge Nathael's thoughts when I have the chance," Maggie reassured him.

Ronald nodded. "Maggie, do you know what I've been most grateful for? Bringing you back from the orphanage. You've never disappointed me."

"Dad, don't worry. Whether it's Joseph, Sierra, or me, we want the family to prosper."

After leaving the Camerons' residence, Maggie felt drained. In her car, she sighed and dialed Lucas's number.

"Maggie, are you alright?" Lucas inquired, remembering his recent hospital visit with Joyce.

"I'm fine. Do you have any leads on Flora, the Angel of Medicine?" Maggie asked, still concerned for her safety.

Lucas sounded disheartened. "No, they've vanished without a trace. I'm surprised in this digital age."

"It's alright. If they were easy to find, their doorstep would be crowded," Maggie consoled him.

"Could you keep an eye on Vanessa and Joseph for me, especially Vanessa's behavior and her connection to the Adams?"

Maggie still couldn't decipher Vanessa's intentions, but given her lack of influence and the Camerons' rivalry with the Adams, focusing on the Adams was her best course of action to help Ronald.