Chapter 322: A Bad Feeling

Master Harris looked at Maggie and said slowly, "It seems your requests have nothing to do with Nathael."

Maggie gave a self-mocking smile. "He'll be fine without me," she said.

He might be experiencing the same pain she had, but he would be fine. Maggie wasn't sure what "fine" meant anymore. Was she fooling herself, or was she just looking for an excuse to justify her absence?

Maybe the only thing she could do for him now was to keep Timothy away. She would closely monitor him to ensure he didn't harm Nathael again. Next time, she would kill him.

Master Harris didn't blame her for her ambitious plans. Trading an impossible future for so many benefits, she should have felt good about it. In actuality, she felt no joy. She tried to hide her sorrow, unwilling to appear weak.

Maggie didn't want to stay. She stood, looked at Master Harris, and said gently, "If you don't need me, I'll be going now."

He sighed. "Do you hate me?"

Maggie smiled lightly. "If I had a longer life, suffered countless hardships, and endured unbearable days, maybe I would," she replied.

Master Harris chuckled. "You're quite insightful."

Maggie shook her head. In terms of insight, she couldn't compare to Joyce, nor did she possess Joyce's ruthlessness. She lacked Mia's open-mindedness. Her only distinguishing trait was her stubbornness. She wandered through life, never looking back, even if it meant suffering. Was stubbornness truly a good thing?

Pulling herself back to the present, she asked, "If I survive, will you give me a chance?"

Instead of answering, he asked, "Can you accept Nathael if he remarries?"

The question felt like a sharp stab. Her eyes reddened. "Yes," she said.

She knew it sounded humiliating. Even so, she knew that with Nathael's abilities, even divorced, he would have countless suitors.

Master Harris was already compromising by even asking. Whether she could wait, or if their feelings would last, was another matter entirely.

"If you survive, I'll give you a chance," he said.

Maggie nodded, tears in her eyes, but forced a smile. "Deal."

She turned and walked away, her back straight, but a hint of sadness in her posture. The setting sun cast golden rays on the lake, dazzling her eyes. She ignored the glare and looked into the distance, her vision blurring. If she survived, she would wait for her chance. In her previous life, he had waited so long for her. This time, she would wait for him.

After Maggie left, Master Harris sighed and walked to the lake's edge, gazing at the distant scenery.

From the side, the butler gently reminded him, "Ms. Adam has no intention of mentioning the Adams."

Master Harris had guessed Maggie's connection to the Adams, and a little investigation confirmed it. The butler was surprised she hadn't revealed her family background. With her prominent and influential family in Aquapolis, her relationship with Nathael could have easily led to marriage.

"She has a strong sense of restraint," Master Harris said calmly, "but I guess it's because she has Dream Venom and doesn't see the need."

The butler nodded. With limited time, marrying into the Harris family wouldn't necessarily benefit her. Even if it did, she might not have time to enjoy it. Securing three promises from Master Harris was more tangible. Maggie had maximized her benefits.

"The Camerons' methods are truly ruthless," the butler added. "If Ms. Adam hadn't seen through it, it could have been a tragic tale of family betrayal."

"Contact the Hudsons and see if there's any way to save her life," Master Harris said, frowning at the underhanded tactics. "Understood, Master Harris."

After Maggie left, she sat in the cab, staring out the window in a daze. She had a few more years, but it felt like time was running out. She was grateful for the chance to resolve these matters. Unlike her previous life, she wouldn't die with unresolved issues. She hadn't mentioned her family or sought benefits for them. She only wanted to deal with the Camerons. With them gone, Ericko was capable and had a good relationship with Nathael. She also hadn't mentioned the Camerons to Master Harris; focusing on Joyce and Mia was more important.

Her thoughts wandered until the cab stopped at Nathael's house. Her phone rang—Nathael. "Where are you?"

"I just got home. When are you coming back?" Maggie wondered if she should cook dinner.

"I'll pick you up in about half an hour," Nathael said.

"Where to?"

"We're going to the amusement park," he replied gently.

A feeling of unease washed over Maggie. "To do what? You aren't going to propose, are you?"

Nathael chuckled. His cold eyes softened. "Not that fast."

Maggie sighed in relief. "I'll be waiting."

After hanging up, Maggie changed into a loose Morandi-colored hoodie and jeans. She took out her sketchbook and began drawing Nathael, sketching a brooch design.

She was concentrating when Nathael entered her study. "Is this me?" His voice startled her.

Maggie jumped, quickly hiding her sketchbook. "When did you get here?"

"Just now." Nathael raised an eyebrow, lifting her from her chair and placing her on the desk.

Maggie's face blushed. "How could you snoop on me?"

Nathael cupped her chin and kissed her. His kiss was intense and passionate. Maggie's breath grew uneven. She leaned back until her waist could no longer support her, wrapping her arms around his neck. Nathael trailed kisses from her chin to her neck, whispering…