Chapter 45: Because You're Useless

"Ahhhh! Maggie turns out to be an unparalleled beauty!"

"Boss, please design a jewelry set! I'm begging you!"

"Boss, check your private messages. Please consider collaborating with our brand."

"Beautiful girl, beautiful hairpin! I want them both!"

"Darling, look at me! Darling, I love you…"

Nathael had just finished showering when he received a special notification on Weibo. Opening it, he saw Maggie's side profile, shrouded in shadow; the hairpin she wore was the one he had given her. He smiled, feeling pleased. However, within seconds, his gaze fell on the comments addressing her as "darling," causing his brows to furrow. The simple words were inexplicably irritating. Nathael's face turned cold. He unceremoniously reported the comments, feeling a bit better afterward.

The next day, Maggie was summoned back to the Camerons' residence by Master Cameron. Everyone—Sierra (looking upset and unusually well-behaved), Joseph (with a complicated gaze), and the rest of the Cameron family—was present. Maggie ignored Sierra and Joseph, excitedly telling Master Cameron, "Grandpa, William agreed to help me with the Herschire Cultural Park project!"

Master Cameron, Madam Cameron, and Ronald expressed great joy. "Really?" Master Cameron exclaimed, rising from his chair. Maggie nodded affirmatively. "Mr. Hansley confirmed it himself."

"Great! Wonderful! You've done well!" Master Cameron clapped his hands vigorously, clearly satisfied.

Although the Herschire Cultural Park project wasn't particularly profitable, it was an excellent opportunity for the Camerons to connect with the government. The Camerons were a second-tier wealthy family—wealthy, but lacking power. The recent poor economic climate had worsened their situation; they risked falling to third-tier status. Securing government projects and establishing relationships would allow them to participate in more projects—Master Cameron's primary goal.

The atmosphere in the room cooled as he spoke. Master Cameron hadn't asked Maggie how she secured the project, knowing William's reputation for being lustful and playful. He hadn't expected Joseph to ask so bluntly.

Maggie, unannoyed, looked at Joseph with confusion. "Joseph, don't you believe in my abilities?"

Joseph was speechless, unsure how to continue. He had seen Maggie leave in someone else's car the previous night. William had stayed out late, yet he had let Maggie, a stunning beauty, go.

Maggie smiled, but her words were sharp. "Or, I could talk to Mr. Hansley again and tell him the Camerons aren't interested, so he doesn't need to bother."

Joseph had never imagined Maggie would speak to him like this. He'd only asked a question, and she'd erected her defenses, leaving no room for negotiation. Master Cameron frowned. "How can this be? Joseph, don't be ridiculous!"

Joseph remained silent, staring at Maggie.

"Maggie, you'll have to work hard. Hurry and get the design draft ready. After winning the bid, you'll be mainly responsible for this project," Master Cameron said gently.

"Don't worry, Grandpa, I will do my best," Maggie replied seriously.

"Sierra, get your sister's jewelry. What are you waiting for? Return what you promised," Master Cameron said in a deep voice.

Sierra's eyes were red, clearly upset, but the decision was made. Reluctantly, she went upstairs.

Soon, Sierra arrived with a servant carrying five or six jewelry sets. Maggie knew these were Master Cameron's reward. Businessmen cared about profits. Compared to the unhelpful Sierra, Maggie, as a useful pawn, needed appeasement. "Maggie, please check if they are correct."

Maggie briefly glanced over them; they were probably items Sierra disliked. She didn't mind; she had no intention of keeping them.

Maggie pretended to hesitate, but Master Cameron allowed her to take them. Satisfied, she said, "Grandpa, if there's nothing else, I'll go back. I've been busy with design drafts, and time is tight."

Master Cameron, hearing about the Herschire Cultural Park's design and planning, urged her to leave. "Go ahead. Take these and let the driver take you home."

After a moment's silence, he added, "If it's not feasible, you can move back here. We have everything you need, and it's more convenient."

"Maybe later. I have a lot of stuff. It's troublesome to move around."

Master Cameron didn't insist. Maggie's gaze fell on the sullen but obedient Sierra. She gently asked, "Sierra, would you like to go for a walk with me?"

Sierra, surprised, looked at Maggie, curious about her intentions. "Okay."

Ronald nodded. "It's good for you sisters to have a good chat. We're all family. We shouldn't let this cause a rift."

Alone in the courtyard, Sierra stopped, stared coldly at Maggie, and said, "Maggie, don't be so arrogant! You're just an illegitimate child. The Camerons are giving you the things I don't want, just to make you feel pleased."

Maggie's crimson lips curved into a smile. Her almond-shaped eyes were icy, with a hint of disdain. She chuckled. "You're right. You are the legitimate offspring, and I am not. But do you know why Grandpa gave me these things?"

Sierra remained silent.

Maggie leaned closer, whispering, "Because, to the Camerons, you are useless. Without me, the design drafts for Herschire Cultural Park cannot be completed."

Tears welled in Sierra's eyes. She pushed Maggie away. "Maggie, you despicable person! Don't be so smug! Don't assume you will win every time just because you won once!"

Maggie raised an eyebrow, her voice gentle. "But as it stands, it seems that I am the one who consistently emerges victorious. Perhaps next time, I will want the properties and cars under your name. Do you think Grandpa will grant them to me?"

(Balance information omitted as it's not part of the text itself.)