Chapter 40: Unlucky

Maggie's compliment only intensified William's resentment toward Master Cameron.

After resolving the issue, Maggie didn't plan to stay long. She stood, glanced at William, and smiled. "Let's toast to our future cooperation," she said.

William remained unresponsive, his hand tightly gripping his wine glass as he lost himself in thought.

Without further delay, Maggie left.

Having consumed a considerable amount of alcohol, she felt dizzy. Besides, she knew when to stop. Though she'd mentioned Master Cameron, she didn't want to push the pampered young Master Hansley too far. Even a clay figure has its limits, let alone a spoiled young master.

However, Maggie only learned this from Mia in her previous life. After being blinded, disfigured, and forced to marry Nathael, her spirits were low. Occasionally, when Mia had free time, she'd uplift Maggie's spirits with gossip. The most scandalous gossip concerned William.

Madam Lydia wasn't an outsider; she was a woman Master Hansley had kept for years. Even during Madam Hansley's lifetime, Madam Lydia was present. However, the aging Madam Hansley couldn't compete with a woman in her thirties. She ignored it, and life continued. Madam Hansley, wise to the ways of the world, accepted the situation.

Unfortunately, time is merciless. A few years ago, Madam Hansley died of illness, leaving Madam Lydia's position solidified. Master Hansley didn't remarry but kept Madam Lydia.

Unexpectedly, William, drunk, had an affair with his grandfather's mistress. He woke in shock, but it was too late. Terrified, he ran away. Madam Lydia, however, was bolder and unfazed. William's youth offered pleasures aging Master Hansley couldn't.

Fate, however, played a cruel trick. Madam Lydia became pregnant. Panic set in. Initially, she considered an abortion, but considering Master Hansley's eventual death, she decided against it.

After much deliberation, Madam Lydia concocted a massive lie. Master Hansley had doubts, but found nothing suspicious in her scheme. He believed he'd fathered a child in his old age, a fact that pleased him greatly.

William, however, found no happiness. Unmarried, he had a son who was nominally his uncle. The matter eventually came to light. Despite attempts at secrecy, in the wealthy world, secrets rarely remain hidden. The Hansleys' scandal became a common joke.

Maggie found it absurd. No wonder William was terrified. If revealed, Master Hansley wouldn't spare him.

Maggie weakly touched her forehead, feeling dizzy and heavy-headed. She left the banquet hall. Shortly after, Joseph called.

Maggie frowned, annoyed, and ignored the call, continuing her walk. Leo was waiting nearby, in case of plan changes.

She hadn't gone far when she spotted Joseph, hurrying inside while talking on his phone. Their paths were about to cross.

"I'm so unlucky!"

Maggie frowned, unwilling to waste time with him. She turned back toward the nightclub, texting Leo to pick her up at the side door. Intoxicated and disoriented, she knew Joseph's morally questionable character and his physical desire for her. Falling under his influence would only worsen her situation.

However, Maggie had forgotten her attractiveness. Joseph immediately spotted her in the crowd. Even as a silhouette, after twenty years, he recognized her instantly.

"Maggie!" Joseph called, pushing through the crowd.

Maggie's eyes were cold. She didn't respond, quickening her pace. She hadn't expected this encounter. In her previous life, while fleeing William, she'd encountered Nathael, not Joseph.

It seemed that changing one thing altered everything.

"Maggie! Stop!" Joseph shouted, his long strides closing the distance.

Days earlier, he'd been in Chronopolis, missing Sierra's banquet. Upon his return, he'd heard Sierra complain about Maggie's mistreatment. His grandfather then informed him of Maggie's supposed attempt to persuade William. Though they moved in different circles, Joseph knew William's character. Maggie wouldn't gain anything from him!

He'd hurried over, but she'd ignored his calls and avoided him. Anger swelled—a sense of unease at losing control. He thought of Maggie's lover. Infidelity angered him. She had to explain herself.

Joseph chased faster, but Maggie's eyelids grew heavy. She bit her lip, trying to stay awake, cursing William and his friends for their potent drinks. She began jogging along the wall as he closed in.

Joseph, this troublemaker! Just like Sierra!

Maggie finally burst from the club's main entrance. The night wind chilled her as she looked for Leo's car—it wasn't there. She'd taken the wrong path, heading to the second east gate instead of the first. Outside the club, she was more exposed. Without the crowd's cover, she was Joseph's target.

Maggie crossed the road. As Joseph exited the club, he saw a woman across the street, hailing a taxi. "Maggie!" he roared, resembling a madman. Heavy traffic prevented him from crossing. He couldn't understand her sudden assertiveness.

A Rolls-Royce Phantom pulled up. Maggie stared, stunned, before recognizing the man who was supposed to be abroad. His dark eyes gazed intensely at her.