Chapter 34: Compensation

All eyes turned to Maggie as she held her handbag; her long dress lacked hidden pockets.

"Maggie" Olivia said gently, her expression troubled.

"I understand," Maggie replied immediately. She opened her handbag and handed it to Ronald, who stood beside her. "Dad, you can check it."

Ronald glanced at the small handbag; its contents were simple and clearly visible. It contained only a mobile phone, a pack of tissues, and lipstick.

Maggie explained, "Mom prepared this handbag for me when I went upstairs to the banquet hall. It was specifically matched to this dress." The implication was that everything had been arranged by someone else, leaving her no opportunity to carry anything else.

"So you came prepared and disposed of the dagger early! Yes, it must be like this. Mom, once you thoroughly investigate the hotel, you will definitely find" Sierra began, but Ronald scolded her. "Enough! Have you caused enough trouble? How many more people do you want to make a laughingstock of yourself?"

"Dad, you don't believe me!" Sierra protested, feeling defenseless, as no one believed her.

"Alright. Let someone take her home and let her calm down," Madam Cameron said wearily.

Sierra glared fiercely at Maggie. From an unseen angle, Maggie curved her red lips in a provocative smile, further angering Sierra.

After Sierra's departure, Maggie appeared subdued. She deliberately acted absentminded in response to Olivia and Madam Cameron.

"Maggie, I'm talking to you. Have you heard about the Herschire Cultural Park, the government's project? If our family secures it, are you confident in handling it?" Madam Cameron frowned, repeating her question. "What?"

Maggie seemed to snap back to reality. Her eyes were red, and she looked as if she were about to cry.

Ronald added, "Have you heard about the Herschire Cultural Park project? It's the government's most important cultural industry project this year. Securing it would establish crucial government connections." Maggie nodded absentmindedly, showing little interest.

This prompted Maggie to look at Madam Cameron, her eyes even redder.

"Grandma," she choked out, "I just don't understand why Sierra, who grew up with me, would do this." It seemed she had been holding back her emotions for a long time.

Her watery eyes, filled with sadness and confusion, stared at Madam Cameron.

Madam Cameron paused, surprised by the incident's profound impact on Maggie.

"I know I'm not worthy of my status, so I never competed with Sierra. I liked the house in Bulverton Residence, but she did, so I gave it to her. I cherished every piece of jewelry Mom gave me, but if Sierra wanted it, I didn't keep any. I also like fashion design. Sierra wanted Luxe Couture, so I didn't mention it."

"But Grandma, why did Sierra treat me like this? We grew up together. Even if we're not blood-related, we're closer than many real sisters. But"

Maggie choked up and stopped, lowering her eyes.

Ronald, Madam Cameron, and Master Cameron exchanged glances, clearly dissatisfied with Sierra's behavior. Maggie's usual tolerance had finally reached its breaking point.

Master Cameron said after a moment, "Maggie, you know how we've treated you all these years. Sierra is young and ignorant. I didn't expect you to suffer so much. You're also a child, and if you have any grievances, you should tell me If you like the house in Bulverton Residence, I'll ask Sierra to transfer it to you. That house was originally meant for you. And those jewels—let Olivia retrieve them from Sierra. How can she take her sister's things? As for Luxe Fashion Company, which is currently under Sierra's name, she's just playing with it. She will hand it over later."

Olivia's heart tightened. She looked at her husband and mother-in-law.

Ronald felt they had given Maggie too much, but they still needed her. "Listen to Grandpa. Maggie, even though you're the older sister, you cannot spoil Sierra like this. If you are ever wronged in the future, you must tell us."

Tears welled in Maggie's eyes. She shook her head. "I can't accept it. I'm not your biological child. You've given so much to raise me. How can I take these things?"

"If you say that, I will be angry! Even though your surname is Adam, you are still our child!" Ronald said firmly.

Olivia forced a smile. "Yes, you should accept it."

"Well okay then," Maggie reluctantly agreed.

They comforted Maggie until she seemed calmer.

"I saw Leo talking to you today. What did he say?" Olivia asked gently, having also kept an eye on Maggie.

"He mentioned the Herschire Cultural Park," Maggie replied, redirecting the conversation.

The Camerons frowned.

"Are the Calebs also competing?" This was unwelcome news, given the illegitimate son's reputation.

In affluent families, numerous children exist; those rising to power despite illegitimacy are exceptional.

"We cannot afford to lose the Herschire Cultural Park project. We haven't undertaken any significant projects in the past two years. If this continues, our reputation won't last much longer," Master Cameron said gravely.

Maggie knew the Camerons' success stemmed from astute tactics, not incompetence.

"Maggie, thoroughly research and plan the design of the Herschire Cultural Park. Once we secure the bid, we need to present the design proposal promptly," Master Cameron instructed.

"Okay, no problem."