Chapter 54: What Good Is an Apology?

With a single sentence, they successfully shifted the blame to Maggie. (82%)

Master Cameron and Ronald silently observed Maggie, their expressions unchanged. However, Maggie knew they suspected her. After all, even disregarding the Camerons' suspicious nature, they were well aware of their manipulation and exploitation of Maggie. Their intentions were impure; naturally, they doubted her loyalty. Frankly, a child from an enemy family, however deceived and raised with false affection, remained an outsider. Between their own and an outsider, whom would they suspect first?

“Sierra, what do you mean? Grandfather should know the design draft's progress. It can be completed on time barring accidents. Why would I sabotage my own hard work?” Maggie's eyes filled with tears; each word trembled with suppressed emotion.

Sierra, appearing satisfied with Maggie's reaction, feigned innocence. “Maggie, you're overthinking. Our long-term servants have no reason to tamper with your draft. Besides, I’m only pointing out a possibility. I'm not saying you did it deliberately, but with such a large project, pressure and problems are inevitable.” Sierra's seemingly understanding words subtly implied Maggie's failure to submit the draft.

Olivia softly interjected, “Maggie, I don't mean to doubt you, but were you under too much pressure? Did you take the draft out of the house? Or forget it somewhere?”

“I didn’t! This concerns the Camerons' future; I wouldn't be so careless!” Maggie's red eyes conveyed her indignation.

Master Cameron considered this, then reassured her, “Don’t worry; the truth will come to light.”

“We have cameras in the hallway. One should show Maggie’s room. Have Mr. Watson check the recordings,” Madam Cameron stated gravely.

Master Cameron, seemingly remembering this, immediately instructed his assistant.

Sierra remained unfazed, aware of the home surveillance. She had disabled it that day by tripping the circuit breaker.

Ten minutes later, the assistant returned, shaking his head. “The circuit breaker tripped; the surveillance captured nothing.” Master Cameron frowned, annoyed. “Ronald, search each room. Dismiss anyone uncooperative.”

“Yes,” Ronald replied, leading the search party.

“Maggie, how could you misplace such an important item?” Sierra said slowly.

Maggie remained silent, her eyes downcast.

Madam Cameron frowned. “Exactly. You should have locked the draft in a cabinet. Even if not lost, it could be damaged or soiled.”

Sierra took Madam Cameron’s hand. “Grandma, the priority is rectifying this. The deadline is the day after tomorrow. Without a design plan, I fear the Herschire Cultural Park project…” She trailed off.

Master Cameron cut to the chase. “Maggie, can you produce another design before the deadline?”

Maggie, taken aback, shook her head, choking back tears. “Impossible. The drawings and data are only on my computer. There’s no time to replan.”

Master Cameron grew anxious. “You created the drawings; don’t you recall anything?”

“I do… but the Herschire Cultural Park project is vast. How can I remember everything? Even if I do, accuracy isn't guaranteed.”

Madam Cameron spoke coldly. “Try to remember. This is your responsibility; we trust you. We cannot afford mistakes.”

All eyes fell on Maggie, as if her failure would betray the family's trust.

In her past life, Maggie might have felt guilt. This life, however, found her lacking a conscience. The Camerons deserved to suffer.

Sierra stepped forward, anxiously grabbing Maggie’s hand. “Maggie, please come up with something. You're the most capable; you must have a way, right?” Sierra’s back to the others, her face gleeful. (82%)

She lowered her voice and sneered, “Maggie, I destroyed your design draft. What can you do? No one will believe you! Hahaha!” Sierra reveled in this, recalling Maggie's dagger threat. Now, she returned the favor, eager to witness Maggie's helplessness.

Maggie stared at Sierra, incredulous. She murmured, “It was you…”

“So what? You're nothing without us! I want to see you fail the Herschire Cultural Park project!”

Maggie’s eyes widened in rage, yet she remained calm inwardly. She watched Sierra’s rant with cold eyes, noting her improving acting skills. She waited for Ronald’s discovery, hoping he wouldn't disappoint her.

Olivia added, “Maggie, Sierra’s right. The Camerons have high expectations. Take time to see if you can resolve this.” She felt conflicted—satisfaction at Maggie's incompetence, but concern over the project's failure. Olivia struggled to express her mixed emotions; she disliked Maggie’s exceptional abilities, yet she was reluctant to see the lucrative project fail.

“I apologize, it’s my fault…” Maggie said through tears.

Madam Cameron’s anger flared. “What good is an apology? How could you neglect your drafts? Can apologies compensate for the family’s loss?”

“Yeah, Maggie. Apologies won't solve anything,” Sierra sneered, supremely satisfied.

Ronald leaned over the second-floor railing. “Dad, we found a camera in Maggie’s room!”