Chapter 333: The Engagement Gift

When Master Pierce called, Ivan readily agreed. Once a modestly famous teacher, Ivan lacked the extensive background and lasting fame of his peers. Sierra, captivated by his handsome looks, had chosen him as her tutor.

Through Sierra's connections, Ivan met Master Pierce. The Pierces, renowned for their literary legacy, and the Camerons' financial support significantly boosted Ivan's reputation. Understanding the principle of reciprocal giving, Ivan had discreetly assisted Sierra with numerous awards over the years.

Now, Master Pierce's intentions were crystal clear. After the call, Ivan considered how to achieve multiple goals simultaneously.

After giving Sierra the manuscript, Maggie kept watch. Soon, Lucas called. "Maggie," he said, "she's actually going to use your music. How shameless!"

Tousled hair and a flushed face betraying his frustration, Lucas stared at the computer screen. Maggie wasn't surprised. "That's to be expected," she replied. "I was more worried she wouldn't use it. How's Cameron's stock doing?"

"Not great," Lucas answered. "Joseph got ousted from several companies, and Ronald had to appoint replacements. It's obvious other shareholders are unhappy with the Camerons." Armed with this information, Maggie began plotting.

Besides the family business, the Camerons held significant shares in various companies. She needed to oust them from these other businesses and then cripple their main enterprise. The following day, Maggie spent the morning practicing piano and the afternoon rushing through her designs.

As evening approached, Nathael called.

"Busy?" he asked gently, as if he couldn't bear to go a day without hearing her voice.

Maggie stood, walked to the window, and massaged her stiff neck. "Not really," she said. "Just sketching all afternoon. My neck is a bit stiff."

"Have you eaten? Let's go out for something to eat."

"Not yet. I'll come to you," Maggie replied, eagerly accepting his invitation.

She was mindful of his busy schedule; spending time with her always meant working overtime. Given the Harris family burden and constant scrutiny, she didn't want to overburden him.

Maggie smiled at Nathael's words, her mood lifting. After hanging up, she dressed and went downstairs to wait. Seeing the servants preparing food, she instructed, "Don't prepare anything for me; I won't be dining at home."

Olivia refrained from commenting, though she found it difficult to maintain the pretense.

Meanwhile, Ronald asked gently, "Are you meeting Mr. Harris?"

"Yes, he'll be picking me up soon."

Just then, Sierra interjected, "Why not invite Mr. Harris over? Let's have dinner together. Things are tough at home, Maggie. You should help Mom and Dad by inviting Mr. Harris here." Ronald's expression softened slightly, a rare sign of agreement with Sierra's suggestion.

Master Cameron added, "She's right. Since Mr. Harris is coming, it's only polite to invite him in for a while."

Maggie didn't immediately refuse, replying, "Let me call him."

A short while later, Maggie returned from the call. Ignoring Sierra's excitement, she turned to Ronald. "Dad," she said, "he's agreed to come in for a short visit to see you, Grandma, and Grandpa, but he won't be staying for dinner." Ronald's face lit up with a smile, seemingly forgetting his grudge against Nathael regarding Joseph.

Upon hearing this, Sierra rushed upstairs to change clothes and apply makeup.

Observing her, Maggie's eyes flashed with sarcasm. It was no wonder Sierra had pursued Nathael so relentlessly in her past life. Even after only a few meetings, she was already captivated by him. Nathael blamed her for attracting attention, but Maggie felt he should examine his own behavior.

Shifting her focus, Maggie considered Ronald's motives. He must expect to gain something from Nathael's visit.

Twenty minutes later, greeted personally by Master Harris and Ronald, Nathael's car arrived at the Cameron residence. Sierra, in a sundress, timidly followed Ronald. Despite her fear and apprehension about Nathael, she couldn't help but admire his decisiveness. She felt men should be firm and powerful like him; those who acted timidly lacked courage.

"Mr. Harris, please come in!"

Nathael nodded slightly, taking Maggie's hand as they entered. "I planned to come later," he said, "but with an upcoming trip abroad, I decided to come today."

"Mr. Harris," Ronald replied, "with your success, a busy schedule is natural. Please consider our home yours; you're welcome anytime." Ronald smiled, glancing past Nathael to Alex and the lawyer behind him.

After Nathael and Maggie sat on the sofa, he said in a deep voice, "Maggie has mentioned the Camerons' financial difficulties several times. I assume you've assessed your assets as well." Master Cameron and Ronald looked embarrassed. "To be honest, Mr. Harris, you're right," Ronald admitted.

Nathael nodded, his expression serious. "In that case," he said, "I've given this some thought. If Maggie and I become engaged, I can offer 150 million as an engagement gift to the Camerons." Nathael's statement shocked not only Ronald and Master Cameron but Maggie as well.

She stared at Nathael, disbelief in her eyes. Is he insane? she thought. Giving money to the Camerons? But instantly, she calmed down. No, he's Nathael. He wouldn't make a bad deal!

The Camerons smiled. Ronald hadn't expected such a proposal. 150 million might not be a vast sum, but for the current Camerons, it was significant! Suppressing his joy, Ronald tentatively asked, "But will Master Harris agree to the marriage?"