Let’s Start All Over Again, Shall We?

Chapter 354 Infuriating

After a while of lovemaking, Nathael stopped his advances. There was a match waiting for them the next day.

Though Nathael didn’t go all out, Maggie’s waist still throbbed with pain.

She got up and bathed. When she came back to bed, she was wide awake.

Wrapped in Nathael’s embrace, Maggie murmured, “I might have to don some flashy jewelry tomorrow. It feels wrong not to wear it, even just once.”

“If you’re not into it, don’t push it. Cutting ties with the Camerons sooner is better than later,” Nathael advised, disagreeing with Maggie’s involvement with the Camerons.

Nathael didn’t want Maggie risking her safety by going all out against the Camerons. Yet, he understood her stubborn streak; she wouldn’t want everything handled by him alone.

Recalling their car chat, Nathael felt a hint of relief. Maggie wasn’t outright refusing his assistance anymore; she wasn’t shutting him out completely.

With narrowed eyes and a smile, Maggie quipped, “I’ve got my methods.”

Dawn broke, arriving with haste.

In the car, Maggie sat, yawning, munching on breakfast packed by the servant, savoring each bite. Nathael, by her side, tuned into the morning financial news on TV. As Maggie journeyed, Ronald’s call came through, alerting her that her jewelry had been hand-delivered by a special courier.

Half an hour later, Maggie stepped into the backstage area of the venue.

Spotting her, Danielle’s excitement peaked as she approached, inquiring, “Ready for this? Feeling confident?”

Over time, Danielle had honed her insight into the various contestants’ skills and characters.

Sierra hadn’t made the cut in Danielle’s assessment, and Grace had just scraped through the third round last time, hinting at a tough road ahead for her climb in the ranks.

In Danielle’s eyes, only Maggie truly stood out, her prowess suggesting she could contend for the top spot.

Seated beside Danielle, Maggie engaged in a soft conversation as the makeup artist and stylist got to work. Before long, Sierra and Grace joined them.

Maggie lifted her gaze, catching a glimpse of Sierra’s reflection in the mirror. It was evident her complexion wasn’t at its best, showing clear signs of distress.

The drama wasn’t done unfolding.

Today’s competition would mark her descent to the bottom.

Chapter 354 Infuriating

Sierra shot a chilly glance in Maggie’s direction but surprisingly held her tongue.

About thirty minutes later, as Maggie switched outfits, Ronald’s prepared jewelry arrived, alongside Sierra’s.

“Here’s the jewelry for today,” the assistant said, presenting the box.

Maggie turned her attention to it. The style and quality were undoubtedly top-notch, a testament to Ronald’s sincerity.

Clad in a white evening gown, Maggie found the set of jade jewelry Ronald sent to be a perfect match.

“Right here,” Maggie instructed, expressing gratitude as her makeup artist assisted in donning the necklace and earrings.

With the competition underway, the buzz both online and offline intensified.

Grabbing her phone, Maggie sought out a full-length mirror, snapping two selfies and promptly sending them off to Nathael.

Seated in the middle of the front row, Nathael checked his phone upon receiving the message.

As he opened the photo, he beheld Maggie’s slender form adorned in a white satin dress, its neckline teasing a glimpse of shadow.

The simplicity and elegance of her attire captivated him, the cinched waist tempting one to reach out involuntarily.

Nathael’s gaze deepened as memories flooded back—her playing the piano before him, igniting an urge to pull her close, to kiss her right then and there.

In the second photo, a faint kiss mark adorned her pristine neck, a testament to his restraint from the previous night. Though subtle, it exuded a tantalizing ambiguity. Saving the photo, Nathael cast his gaze downward, concealing the tumultuous emotions swirling within him.

After a brief wait without a response, Maggie sent a string of question marks. “Mr. Harris, no compliments?”

Receiving her message, Nathael’s eyes twinkled with a hint of amusement as he crafted his reply.

I’m busy.

“What? But I’m supposed to be your sweet little honeycakes. What could be more important than me?”

I gotta turn down the heat you turned on.

The message stupefied Maggie for a moment. When she realized what Nathael was saying, she turned a shade of magenta, her cheeks slightly burning.

Stop it with the dirty jokes.

It won’t stop at jokes tonight, Nathael smiled. Food was abundant.

Maggie’s heart raced, nearly leaping from her chest.

Since they went past fourth base, Nathael had grown increasingly playful, his words unrestrained.

She responded with a panda emoji, one sitting with its back turned, while the other kicked its rear. The caption read: Buzz off!

A chortle escaped Nathael’s lips, and he tucked his phone away.

“Nothing special about this. I have no idea why people won’t stop praising it.” Sulking and brooding, Sierra turned around, only to meet a beaming Maggie, her smile glimmering like a star.

I was defiled by John, while she gets to live the large life. She’s nothing but a bastard taken from a foster house, but now she hooked up with Matthew thanks to my family.

With each passing thought, Sierra’s anger intensified, her mood souring further.

Maggie turned towards her, speaking gently. “I know, but Dad gave me the stunning flagship store treasure to wear, so I’m pretty thrilled.”

Her demeanor remained pleasant, seemingly oblivious to Sierra’s irritation, even carrying a hint of sincerity, fueling Sierra’s frustration.

“You’re a bumpkin. Nothing to be proud of. It’s just a set of jewelry,” Sierra snapped.

That raised Maggie’s eyebrow. “I smell jealousy. Save it. With your reputation, or should I say disreputation, you’re practically worth nothing. I can see why Dad doesn’t have time for you.”

“Why you little…” Sierra rocketed up from her seat, “I am not worthless!”

Maggie’s gaze bore into her with a smile that held no warmth. “Remember last time at the competition? Did you honestly think the audience knew nothing about piano?”

Before Sierra could respond, Maggie swiftly made her way to the bathroom, phone in hand.

Left speechless and breathless, Sierra watched as Maggie hurried away.

Hurrying after Maggie, Sierra found herself trailing behind as Maggie kept her distance, leading the way to the bathroom. It wasn’t until they reached the inside that Sierra managed to catch up. “Maggie, hold on!” she exclaimed.

Maggie stood before the mirror, seemingly oblivious to Sierra’s presence, lost in admiration as her fingers delicately traced the necklace around her neck. The jade against her fair skin seemed to glow, accentuating her beauty.

“I don’t care what you become. You’re still the daughter of a bitch. If my family hadn’t fished you out of the orphanage, you’d probably be a bar girl in the seedy part of town!” Sierra thought she’d been mistreated these days, but she had no outlet to vent. Now she wanted to use Maggie as her punching bag.