Chapter 377: Aren't We Just Performing?

Maggie's sudden movement startled everyone. She revealed a concealed dagger, causing Sierra's face to drain of color and her eyes to widen in terror.

The slender, frigid dagger gleamed with a frosty shimmer. It hovered menacingly near Sierra's throat, drawing a bead of crimson blood. A fraction more pressure, and it would pierce her skin.

Sierra trembled, her fleeting victory replaced by dread. Tears welled in her eyes.

The two mercenaries reacted instantly, aiming their weapons at Maggie.

A foreign man, speaking fluent, resonant English, commanded, "Release her, or I'll shoot!"

A smirk touched Maggie's lips. "Instead of worrying about her," she said, "focus on your allies outside. Lay a finger on me, and you won't leave here alive."

Her gaze, intense and unwavering, met the man's.

He started to respond, but his team, sensing something, hurried to the door, whispering rapidly in a foreign language. He cautiously joined them, glancing out the window before muttering a curse in English.

"Undercover operative? This is a trap! What's going on?" he roared, his agitation obvious.

Seizing the opportunity, Sierra cried out, "You can't ignore me! You swore to protect me!"

Maggie sneered, whispering in Sierra's ear, "They're busy. They wouldn't bother with you. The mastermind behind this might consider it merciful not to kill you first."

Terror gripped Sierra. Any sudden movement from Maggie could send the dagger into her neck. She didn't want to die, not yet, even though her life was a mess.

"Maggie, please! Our family raised you. Calm down. If anything happens to me, my parents won't let you go!" Sierra pleaded, her voice trembling. Maggie sneered, "So you're afraid? The knife hurts, doesn't it?"

"Maggie, I was confused, jealous! I never meant to harm you. I said those things to show off. I always treated you like a sister. Why are you doing this?" Sierra's voice cracked, her words a mixture of truth and lies.

Maggie raised an eyebrow. "Sister? In your eyes, blood ties mean nothing!"

"Do you think Ronald and Olivia will rescue you, or avenge you? No. You're a lost cause. Olivia has a son to protect, and Ronald will distance himself."

Sierra's teeth gritted, her eyes reddening.

"It's all your fault! Our family was kind, and you're ungrateful! You deserve to be in an orphanage forever!" Sierra raged, perhaps believing that even begging wouldn't spare her. She hadn't considered the Camerons' kindness.

Maggie remained impassive. "I dreamt of someone gouging out my eyes, disfiguring my face. You pretended to care, undermining my relationship with Nathael. I trusted you, only to find out you orchestrated it."

Her casual demeanor hid a venomous chill, sending shivers down Sierra's spine.

"It was a dream! You can't punish me for a dream!" Sierra cried, furious that her plans had failed because of a dream. Why had fate been so cruel?

"Even if it was a dream, it mirrored reality. Your wishes won't be granted. You'll spend the rest of your days in jail."

"Maggie! I'll kill you! I swear it!"

The thought of prison sent Sierra thrashing, tears streaming down her face. But Maggie's grip was firm, and Sierra, shorter than Maggie, couldn't break free. She tried to bite Maggie's arm.

Maggie didn't give her the chance. Perhaps provoked, she slashed Sierra's face.

Blood streamed down Sierra's pale cheek. "My face!" she screamed.

Maggie showed no emotion, as if this were a familiar scene. The knife that had scarred her in a past life found closure.

Suddenly, the door burst open. Mercenaries were apprehended, and Maggie shoved Sierra away. Sierra fell, clutching her bleeding cheek, dazed. "Help! Murder!"

Seeing someone enter, Sierra crawled toward them, tears and blood mingling on her face. "Help me! She's crazy!"

"Ms. Cameron, you're suspected of kidnapping, assault, and other offenses. You're under arrest."

A chill ran down Sierra's spine. Handcuffs clamped onto her wrists.

"It wasn't me! Maggie scarred me! Why aren't you arresting her?" Sierra protested, struggling, her hair disheveled, one high heel lost.

Maggie stood frozen, pale and vacant.

Every person carries darkness, but don't let it consume you.

Nathael rushed to Maggie's side, embracing her. "It's okay."

Maggie chuckled, tears in her eyes. "Aren't we just performing? Why does it feel so real?"