Chapter 395: The Plan
The next day, around noon, Maggie slept until the sun was high, jolted awake by a text message. Sluggishly lifting a hand to block the sunlight, she felt as if she’d crawled from a grave. Everything ached—a dull pain spreading throughout her body, from throat to arms, mouth to legs. Her mind felt fuzzy and sluggish, like thick goo. Her eyes were probably swollen, making them uncomfortable to open. The thought of Nathael’s antics from the previous night made her furious, her fingers trembling with anger.
She tried to sit up, but as soon as she exerted any force, she gasped. A sharp breath escaped her lips. A deep, purplish bruise marred her wrist, visible even beneath the couple’s red string bracelet.
"Damn it!" she muttered, feeling as heavy as lead.
Nathael was gone. Maggie grabbed her phone from the bedside table and checked a message from Mia: "Maggie, is Nathael home today? I want to swing by!"
Maggie replied, "Just woke up. Let me see. I'll get back to you soon."
After a quick freshen-up, still feeling woozy, Maggie went to the living room. A servant emerged from the kitchen, probably hearing her. "Ms. Adam, lunch is ready. Would you like anything else?"
The servant, holding a tray, hesitated, unsure where to place it. Maggie was surprised. Nathael didn’t like servants upstairs. Although he employed them, they didn’t live there and usually came only to clean or prepare meals when he was away.
"Where's Nathael?" she asked softly, her voice hoarse.
The servant glimpsed the kiss marks on Maggie’s leg, quickly averting her gaze and lowering her head, as if following instructions not to pry.
"Mr. Harris has gone to the office. He said you could reach him by phone if needed."
Maggie chuckled softly, finding Nathael somewhat naive. Regardless of who initiated the breakup, considering his behavior last night, she had no…
Just leave the food on the coffee table. Thank you," Maggie said warmly, regaining her composure.
"Understood."
She walked to the window and looked downstairs. Four or five well-dressed men were visible, but she suspected more lurked in the shadows.
"Is Nolan downstairs?" she asked the servant, who was heading to the kitchen.
"Mr. Nolan is on the ground floor," the servant replied promptly.
Maggie slipped on a long coat, grabbed the railing, and headed downstairs. Nolan lounged on the sofa, a duckbill cap pulled low over his eyes. Despite the cap, his youthful yet cold demeanor and air of fierceness were evident.
"Ms. Adam," he greeted briskly, rising and stepping aside.
Maggie tested the waters. "I'm thinking of going out for a bit."
"You need to check with Mr. Harris," Nolan replied bluntly.
"Just for half an hour," Maggie persisted.
Nolan remained silent, his eyes meeting hers. His blank expression clearly indicated no.
Disappointed, Maggie tried again. "If Nathael won't let me go out, can someone else visit me?"
Nolan's tone turned cold. "You need Mr. Harris's approval."
Maggie clenched her teeth, unsure if Nathael would agree.
"I'm not feeling well; I want to go to the hospital," Maggie said.
Nolan repeated, "You can inform Mr. Harris."
Maggie's frustration boiled over. "Always Mr. Harris this, Mr. Harris that! What did Nathael offer you to make you follow him blindly like this?" Nolan stayed silent, his poker face unchanging. He couldn't shake the unsettling feeling from Nathael's glance that morning. It sent shivers down his spine.
(Later, a scene with Nathael and Nolan)
Nathael looked away, his tone chilly. "Don't linger around her unless you have to."
Nolan was startled, then replied, "Okay."
"Speak less," Nathael added, his expression icy.
Nolan scratched his head, puzzled. He wondered if Nathael had mixed up his instructions, as Alex was usually the chattier one. The young man in front of him remained silent. Seeing this, Maggie interjected. "Mia will drop by later. If you don't let her in, I'll jump out the window!"
Nolan's temple throbbed as he imagined the scene.
After Maggie left, he immediately called Nathael, who paused a meeting to listen to Nolan's report. After a moment of silence, he said calmly, "Let her in."
Around 2 p.m., Maggie, having finished lunch, lounged on the couch, watching TV and brainstorming escape plans. Shortly after, Mia's lively voice filled the room.
"Maggie, that freak Nathael has you locked up…"
Mia, laden with supplies, fell speechless upon seeing Maggie.
"Whoa!" Mia exclaimed. "Nathael is such a jerk. Look what he's done to you," she said, setting down desserts.
Maggie sighed. "With his character, he won't let me off easily."
"So, what's your plan?" Mia asked, her voice softening. "But seriously, you were doing fine. Why break up with him? Did he do something to upset you?"
Maggie paused. She decided to talk more with Mia later.
"I need you to come by more often. I'm thinking of teaming up with Lucas and Leo to escape," Maggie whispered, outlining her plan.
"But…after that? Nathael practically runs Aquapolis. How will you hide from him?" Mia asked.
Maggie fell silent, then said slowly, "I'm thinking of crashing at the Adams' place for a bit."
She didn't plan to reconcile with Phillip and Fiona, but a temporary stay wouldn't hurt. With her brother's protection and her ties to the Adams family, Nathael wouldn't dare go too far—unless he completely lost it.