Chapter 57: With Friends Like These, Who Needs Enemies?

Could they let her leave like this?

"Grandma, Grandpa, please take care of yourselves. I'll come back to see you often," Maggie said, tears welling in her eyes. Reluctance filled her voice.

"Nonsense! We're family; how can you say such things?" Master Cameron retorted sternly, ignoring the Herschire Cultural Park project. After all, their deep-seated hatred for the Adams overshadowed everything else.

Unfortunately, the Adams had prospered in recent years, while the Camerons had been in decline. Losing Maggie, their pawn, would leave them vulnerable to the Adams.

"Grandpa, it's not that I disrespect you, but this family can't accommodate me. I don't know why Sierra hates me—we grew up together! I can't bear to see her suffer because of me, or see this family torn apart," Maggie said sincerely, carefully choosing her words. Tears blurred the coldness in her eyes.

During her time with the Camerons, she'd mastered the art of acting. They valued "sincerity and consideration," so she reciprocated.

Master Cameron was speechless. Maggie's reasoning was irrefutable. "Maggie, stop pretending!" Sierra cried, shaking with anger. The pain intensified, nearly causing her to faint.

Olivia stepped forward, placing a hand over Sierra's mouth. "Please be quiet," she whispered.

Maggie smiled lightly at Sierra. "You should rest. Don't worry; no one will take your place in this family, your jewelry, or anything else. No one will compare me to you again."

Sierra's eyes blazed with fury. Maggie, that despicable woman! she thought. When did she become so malicious?

Maggie smiled coldly. The most effective way to destroy a family from within was to let it decay.

Ronald stepped forward. "Maggie, I know you've been wronged. You're not a burden; we need you. Will you stay and help me?"

"Yes, Maggie, your father's right. We can't do without you," Master Cameron agreed, snapping out of his daze.

Ronald was adept at manipulating emotions. Maggie knew, as a devoted foster daughter, she had no reason to refuse.

Hesitantly, Maggie said softly, "But Dad, it might upset Sierra. She might think I'm competing for the inheritance."

Sierra, pulling away from Olivia, sneered. "Maggie, you've always had hidden motives! You only care about the Camerons' wealth! Stop pretending! If you dare, let Dad write a will leaving you nothing!"

Maggie inwardly applauded. She saw the tension in Ronald and Master Cameron's faces.

With allies like her, who needs enemies?

Feigning anger, Maggie said, "Dad's healthy, Grandpa's alive; why a will? Sierra, even if you dislike me, don't curse Dad!"

Subtly shifting the conversation to assets, Maggie watched Sierra rise to the bait.

"Fine, no will! Let's create a property agreement stating you get nothing!" Sierra declared.

"Shut up!" Ronald exploded, veins bulging on his forehead. He feared Maggie would exploit a property agreement. To keep using Maggie as a pawn, they couldn't afford to lose her trust, and couldn't give her nothing.

(End of Chapter)