Chapter 33: She Would Bring Chaos to the Camerons

“Maggie! How dare you! You refuse to admit it! What are you pretending? I only wanted to borrow your necklace, but you threatened me with a dagger! And now you still deny it!”

Sierra’s fury at Maggie’s demeanor was barely contained. She never expected Maggie to deny it and feign ignorance.

Madam Cameron, Master Cameron, Olivia, and Ronald’s eyes darted between Maggie and Sierra. They weren't unwilling to believe Sierra, but based on past events, Maggie seemed incapable of such an act. Conversely, Sierra, with her history of spoiled behavior and aggression, was a more likely culprit.

“Sierra, you can argue with your sister, but you can’t slander her like this! Besides, this is a special occasion. You asked your sister to play the piano without permission. I think our family has spoiled you rotten!” Madam Cameron scolded, her voice deep with displeasure.

Sierra’s eyes reddened with anger. “Grandma, don’t you believe me? What I said is true! Maggie threatened me with a dagger, right here… she put it to my neck!”

Secretly, they leaned toward believing Sierra, but upon closer inspection, her neck was clean. Aside from a valuable diamond necklace, there was no mark.

Maggie curled her lips, concealing her satisfaction. Her eyes were cold. Sometimes, doing good deeds had its advantages. After all, no one readily believes a good person capable of bad things.

Just wait and see, she thought. I will repay the Camerons' kindness. I will bring chaos to their lives.

Maggie raised her head, her eyes misty. Removing the necklace around her neck, she choked back tears. “Mom, Dad, I know I’m just a fortunate adopted child. I don’t deserve these things, so I never thought of fighting for them. Today, the banquet was about to start; I didn’t have time to remove the necklace for Sierra. Besides, I thought the emerald centerpiece clashed with Sierra’s pink dress, so I said a few words. I didn’t expect…”

Maggie trailed off, her eyes red as she offered the necklace to Olivia.

“Maggie! You weren’t like this before!” Sierra’s voice was sharp with accusation. Her aggrieved expression nearly suffocated Sierra, who pointed for a long time, speechless.

“Mom, I shouldn’t have worn such expensive jewelry. In the future, please don’t bother preparing them for me. And I’ll try to avoid family banquets.” Maggie looked at Olivia, handing over the necklace without hesitation.

Master Cameron interjected, “Nonsense! You and Sierra are both our daughters. You won’t lack for anything you need!”

“That’s right. You’re the child we raised. What’s this about not deserving? What Sierra has, you should have too,” Master Cameron continued. “Since you’re studying design, your father will transfer ownership of Amour Creative to you. You should learn to manage the family business.”

Olivia added, “Yes, I have two sets of jewelry perfect for you. I’ll send them to you later.”

“I disagree!” Sierra’s eyes darkened with rage. She never expected that the humiliated Maggie would gain so much.

She lunged at Olivia, snatching the necklace from Maggie’s neck. “Maggie, let me tell you! Don’t even think about it! Stop pretending to be innocent! You’re just an illegitimate child we brought home. Nothing in this house will ever be yours!”

Slap!

Before Sierra could finish, a loud slap echoed. Ronald, his face cold, had struck her. The world spun; her head buzzed, and her vision blurred.

“Be quiet! Look at yourself! What are you saying? Go to your room and reflect on your actions!” Ronald’s voice was laced with anger.

Despite Sierra’s naiveté and arrogance, her relationship with Maggie had always been good—at least, on the surface. Maggie was crucial to their plan to undermine the Adams family. They couldn’t risk Maggie changing her mind; it would ruin everything. Beyond Maggie’s personal value, the Camerons had begun in construction, and Maggie was a prominent figure in architectural design, vital to many of their projects. Sierra, perpetually spoiled, had always been indulged by Maggie; she’d never been hit before.

Sierra stared at Ronald in disbelief, anger burning in her eyes. “Dad, you hit me? You hit me because of her?”

“You need to reflect on your actions. You started this, falsely accused your sister, and caused a scene. I think you’ve been living too comfortably!” Ronald stood with his hands behind his back, his voice cold. She turned to Olivia, crying, “Mom, do you believe me? Do you believe what I said?”

Olivia’s heart ached at her daughter’s swollen cheek, but Sierra’s words were too extreme. Regardless of the truth, this confrontation with Maggie could unravel years of planning.

Olivia composed herself, helping Sierra up. “Okay, Sierra. I’ll believe you for now. But you said Maggie threatened you with a dagger. Do you have any… any evidence?”

Sierra was stunned, as if the possibility hadn't occurred to her.

“Evidence?”

“Yes, like witnesses, physical evidence, anything. Where did it happen? Is there surveillance footage, or did anyone see it?” Olivia patiently guided her, though inwardly, she leaned toward believing her own daughter.

“Yes, it happened right outside the side entrance to the banquet hall!” Sierra stood, rushing to find the surveillance footage.

They followed, each burdened by their own thoughts. Maggie trailed behind, composed and leisurely.

“Here it is. Let’s check the hotel’s surveillance footage, and we’ll surely find…” Sierra paused.

There was no surveillance. The hotel’s corridors and banquet hall were covered, but the two-meter passage connecting them was a blind spot, lacking cameras.

“Oh, right! The dagger! She must have hidden the dagger!” Sierra glared at Maggie, her eyes bloodshot.