Chapter 59: The Loveliest Shooting Star

Maggie paused before speaking. "We have only three days to complete the design. Redrawing them is impossible. To win this project, we'll have to take a risk." Master Cameron and Ronald immediately understood.

"You mean purchase someone else's design?" Master Cameron asked cautiously.

Maggie nodded. "We designed before bidding; others likely did, too. Starting from scratch is infeasible."

"Plus, they'd have precise design data, eliminating data issues."

Master Cameron and Ronald fell silent. Maggie was right. Architectural design demands a rigorous, scientific approach to ensure structural integrity and safety. Mistakes could be catastrophic. "However," Maggie added, "this means wasting building materials we've already purchased." She was confident they understood.

Master Cameron had commissioned Joseph to buy materials based on her original design. Changing plans now would cause significant waste. This news concerned Master Cameron and Ronald.

The Herschire Cultural Park project was profitable for the Camerons. Wasting expensive materials, especially difficult-to-store wood, would be a substantial loss.

"Whose design should we buy?" Ronald asked, concluding that materials would be wasted regardless of project success. If the project proceeded, some materials could still be used, ensuring a profit.

Maggie considered this. After a moment, she said, "Royal Construction, Modern Construction, and the Calebs."

"Royal and Modern are bidding, but their conservative approach might yield outdated designs. They may not sell us their plans," she explained.

"What about the Calebs?" Ronald asked.

"Leo's in charge. The Calebs want to enter construction, and Leo's well-connected. He might sell us his design." Maggie avoided seeming too eager, lest she arouse Ronald's suspicion.

She believed the Camerons would choose Leo. Master Cameron couldn't afford to lose face, and Leo, with the Calebs' backing and no animosity toward the Camerons, was the ideal choice.

Maggie gave them time to consider. If she were to manipulate them, she'd do it thoroughly; the Herschire project alone wasn't enough.

Eventually, Ronald decided. "Maggie, if you're available, arrange a meeting with Leo. You interacted with him at the last banquet. Find out his price and if it's within budget."

"I'll arrange it immediately," Maggie replied, leaving the Camerons' residence.

Leo was waiting downstairs at her home. Maggie, in high spirits, ran to him. "Leo, it went smoothly!"

On the balcony, Leo extinguished his cigarette, smiling warmly. "You're a millionaire, Maggie."

He accompanied her upstairs, where they reviewed the assets transferred to her name. Maggie excitedly estimated their value.

"Help me deal with the jewelry and bags later," she murmured.

"You're not keeping them?" Leo asked, standing by the window.

"No. I don't want to keep the Camerons' gifts," Maggie said, her words trailing off as she noticed a man standing in the doorway. Olivia and Madam Cameron had given her jewelry; while not the finest, it was valuable. Giving her the jewelry, Olivia seemed pained. Maggie hadn't wanted to keep them initially; they made her feel sick. But she realised keeping and wearing them would only annoy Olivia and Madam Cameron and wanted to flaunt them to Sierra. Maggie laughed. "I'll keep the expensive ones," she said, realizing Leo was reminding her.

The warm sunlight illuminated her face, showcasing her preferences. Leo picked up papers from the coffee table.

"This restaurant's brand is worth four hundred and fifty thousand dollars, but its popularity is declining. Sell it quickly," he said softly.

"Okay, I wasn't keeping it anyway," Maggie replied, pushing contracts toward him. She smirked. "Since you're so helpful, help me review these."

Leo laughed, removing his coat. He analyzed the contracts while Maggie listened attentively. Maggie possessed design talent, but Leo excelled at business.

In a past life, Maggie felt responsible for Leo's death. Now, she felt she brought misfortune to those who cared for her.

A crumpled piece of paper hit her head. "What are you thinking about?" a voice interrupted. Maggie snapped out of her reverie, meeting Leo's smiling eyes. Feeling sad, she sighed. "Oh, nothing. I feel like I bring bad luck." Her voice was muffled. Leo's gaze softened. He chuckled. "You're a jinx, but the most adorable one."

Maggie laughed, playfully glaring. "Seriously? How old do you think I am? Who wants to be adorable? Adorable won't fill my stomach."