Chapter 373: Sierra's Scheme
When evening fell, Maggie hastened to shower after returning home, anticipating Nathael's imminent arrival. The potent aroma of her medicinal concoctions from clinic hours lingered on her, a scent she couldn't easily wash away. Upon finishing her shower, Nathael arrived, causing her arms to instinctively tense. She was relieved to see she had donned long-sleeved pajamas, concealing the needle punctures on her arm.
"Did you get back? Why didn't you call?" Nathael embraced her tenderly, his hands resting on her waist as he kissed her forehead.
"I just got home. Leo offered me a ride, so I didn't want to bother you."
Nathael chuckled, his gaze intensifying. "You seem quite familiar with him."
Maggie leaned in, her arms around his neck, kissing him gently. "It's nothing compared to being with you."
A shadow crossed Nathael's eyes. Her intimacy with others ignited a fierce jealousy.
"You naughty girl!" he rumbled, lifting her and placing her gently on the dining table. His fingers lightly cupped her chin before kissing her. "Did you have a good day?" he asked softly.
Chapter 373: Sierra's Scheme
"Yes, I did. Now, off to the shower with you," Maggie replied, careful not to reveal too much.
While Nathael showered, she prepared two dishes and a soup.
After their meal, Maggie settled into the living room, watching a movie with Nathael, who worked alongside her. However, she couldn't focus. How could she delicately break up with him? His overwhelming affection made it exceedingly difficult to find a reason.
Her gaze drifted to him. His countenance exuded an icy precision; his features were striking, almost sculpted. His refined nose possessed a delicate elegance unusual in a man. Yet, his demeanor lacked any femininity. His sharp eyes held an abyssal depth, captivating and inexplicable.
Though seemingly disinterested in the movie, Nathael sensed Maggie's gaze.
"What's on your mind?" he asked, his voice deep and resonant.
Maggie snapped out of her reverie, grinning mischievously. "What else but admiring your stunning features?"
Nathael chuckled, pulling her from the sofa to the carpet and enveloping her in his embrace. He kissed her earlobe, murmuring, "Do you want to?"
A blush crept onto Maggie's cheeks as she turned, her neck brushing his lips.
"No, I'm just a little girl."
"Really?" Nathael beamed, lifting her and carrying her to the bedroom.
Gently placing Maggie on the bed, Nathael closed the door. As he did, she switched off the light, fearing he'd see her bruised arms. He was unusually tender tonight, his fingertips lightly tracing her skin, sending shivers through her. His kisses evoked involuntary tremors.
Amidst the joy, pain lingered; she was torn between surrendering to happiness and the persistent echoes of Iris's words. Both love and life felt like they were hurtling towards a conclusion. Despite Timothy's playful banter and her boldness, she couldn't underestimate their agreement's weight.
"Ehm"
Nathael lowered himself, eliciting a moan from Maggie, who tightened her embrace.
"You seem distracted," Nathael whispered, gazing at her. She resembled "a radiant lily and an enigmatic mountain blossom," a complex blend of contradictions that stirred his longing.
Chapter 373: Sierra's Scheme
Nathael wouldn't admit it, but he enjoyed her flushed and teary responses to his teasing, or the imprint he left on her body. He hadn't anticipated these feelings, and he kept them hidden, fearing her reaction might send him to the study.
The night unfolded, filled with intimate sounds. In the darkness, Nathael's silhouette was stark, sweat glistening on his forehead, dripping onto her chest.
"Nathael I'm tired"
Maggie's voice trembled, tears threatening. He showed no sign of stopping. He flipped her over, changing their position. A peculiar unease lingered within him; he feared losing her at any moment. She always seemed on the verge of leaving. He couldn't understand why, especially when everything seemed normal—her occasional absentmindedness, the hesitation in her eyes, her intermittent disappearances. Only in these moments did she truly feel his.
After what seemed like an eternity, Maggie lay on the bed, her throat raw from crying, feeling lifeless and immobile. The blanket caught in her armpit sparked frustration.
Chapter 373: Sierra's Scheme
"I'll carry you to the shower."
Maggie was about to agree, acknowledging the soreness in her legs, but then remembered her bruises. "Absolutely not! Who knows what you'll do in the bathroom!"
At that moment, Nathael's phone rang. Wearing only shorts, he answered it in the living room.
Alex whispered, "Sierra hired mercenaries."
Nathael chuckled coldly. "Did she try to kill Nana?"
Alex hesitated. "She plans to drug Ms. Adam with a large dose of narcotics, blind her, and inflict facial injuries." He paused. Sierra's cruelty surpassed his imagination. He knew she wasn't good, but he never expected this ruthlessness toward Maggie, who had been by her side for over a decade. Knowing Maggie had been setting traps for Sierra, Alex saw her differently; she wasn't the type to harm others without reason, despite plotting against Sierra.
Nathael sneered, "She dares to scheme! Keep a close watch on her."
"Yes," Alex replied.
Chapter 373: Sierra's Scheme
Unknown to Sierra, Nathael had known about her dealings with the drug dealer and mercenaries from the start. Alex had been extensively investigating them.
When Maggie mentioned showering, Nathael didn't rush to his room. He picked up a cigarette, considered lighting it, then remembered her aversion to smoke and put it away. His eyes darkened with icy intensity. Sierra's malice ignited an uncontrollable fury within him.