Chapter 4: Can You Afford the Price?

Nathael squinted, his piercing gaze menacing. Maggie recoiled slightly, trying to calm him. "Regarding the project in Chronopolis"

"I'll say it again. Get out of the car!"

His voice was icy, chilling the car to a suffocating degree. Maggie felt pressure in her chest, swallowing hard before speaking.

"I need to discuss something with you."

Her almond-shaped eyes were cold yet clear, reflecting unease, nervousness, and a faint glimmer of hope.

"Don't test my patience."

Nathael's thin lips tightened, his gaze darkening. This was his final ultimatum.

Maggie's fingertips trembled as she gathered her courage, grabbing the corner of his shirt. "Can you trust me just this once?" she pleaded.

Considering her past actions, the word "trust" felt incredibly heavy. But she had to say it. She had to end this collaboration and rectify her mistakes.

Nathael stared at her silently for a long time. Her eyes, rimmed with red, held a faint glimmer of hope.

After a while, he chuckled lightly. "Maggie, don't regret this!" Maggie was stunned, not understanding.

The next moment, Nathael looked away, commanding in a deep voice, "Go." Alex accelerated. Nathael no longer forced her from the car. Maggie breathed a sigh of relief, unsure what to say. Before meeting him, she'd pondered how to persuade him to cancel the collaboration with the Camerons. But seeing him, those thoughts seemed meaningless. After all, she'd used last night's "moment of closeness" to threaten handing the project to the Camerons that morning.

Now, she was going back on her word—suspicious to anyone. Claiming the Camerons had ill intentions? He already knew that. Saying they used underhanded tactics? He was well aware. She'd forgotten he was a prominent and influential figure.

He knew all about her and the Camerons' tricks. His previous compromises were simply because he was willing. Before Maggie could think further, the car slowed to a stop. She looked out the window. It was the yard of a standalone villa—somewhat unfamiliar, yet somewhat familiar. She'd lived there for a few years after marrying Nathael in her previous life. But she'd been blind then, so while familiar, she'd never seen every detail. Standing in the courtyard, feeling the wind, hearing the fountain and rustling leaves, Maggie felt a tightness in her throat and closed her eyes. It sounded similar to her memories, yet slightly different. After her previous marriage to Nathael, her caretaker had told her he'd planted a sea of gardenias in the yard.

The rustling leaves and faint fragrance had been one of her few joys then. Maggie found solace in this memory. Even without the sea of flowers, it felt comforting.

Nathael, noticing she hadn't followed, stopped and looked back. Starlight scattered in the courtyard, illuminating a girl in a white dress, poised against the gentle wind. Her radiant face beamed with liveliness and joy, looking ethereal. Nathael's Adam's apple moved, his fingers curling. Why… why was she still provoking him after his concessions?

Feeling his gaze, Maggie looked up. The tall, stern man stood under the entrance light, casting a long shadow. He seemed to have stood there countless times, waiting. "Regretting it?"

His deep voice resonated. Maggie was taken aback.

"What?" Regret what? She didn't understand. Nathael's gaze darkened. He turned and entered the villa. She hurriedly followed.

"Nathael, reconsider the Chronopolis project."

Maggie stood helplessly in the living room. Nathael's expression remained calm. He leisurely removed his jacket, tossed it aside, loosened his tie, and took off his watch. He didn't glance at her or speak, as if waiting for her to continue.

"In reality… the Camerons don't treat me well. They simply want to set a trap and collaborate with you for their own benefit," Maggie said softly, unable to comprehend his thoughts. Nathael's slender fingers paused. He raised his gaze, his eyes inquisitive.

"What trick are you attempting this time?" Maggie's heart raced under his icy, stern gaze.

"You're a businessman. You should know what's best for you. The Camerons aren't trustworthy partners. Your emotions will only entangle you in their mess."

Maggie tried to calm herself. The Camerons hadn't been unkind to her; they were skilled at appearances. If she claimed mistreatment, no one would believe her. But Nathael would. He had to believe her!

Maggie wasn't entirely sure herself. She was waiting for him to speak. The Harris family had many descendants. Nathael's position hadn't been easy to achieve.

Collaborating with a liability like the Camerons was giving him leverage. Thinking of this, Maggie's heart ached. In her previous life, he'd been dragged down by them. Coupled with her press conference accusation, he'd remained silent for a long time, paying a heavy price to secure his position. She'd never known his hardships. Nathael chuckled softly, his dark eyes fixed on her. "Maggie, what is it that you truly desire?"

Suppressing her panic, Maggie cautiously replied, "I want you to cease collaborating with the Camerons."

Nathael tugged at the corner of his mouth, his large hand gripping her chin. He said coldly, "Do you think too highly of yourself?" He was so close she could see his distinct eyelashes, like captivating brushes.

"Do you believe you can manipulate me, Maggie? Do you think your looks can control me like a puppet?"

Nathael's grip tightened, anger flickering in his eyes. He knew she'd met Joseph after leaving the suite, assuming they were plotting.

"I didn't."

Maggie knew she'd lost his trust. Tears welled in her eyes. Nathael leaned in close, his thin lips brushing her ear. His voice was low and seductive. "Or perhaps, can you afford the price?"