Chapter 60: A Little Duckling Like Nathael
"Instead of relying on your cuteness, why don't you focus on your studies and figure out how to make money?" Leo suggested, his clean white shirt lending him a refined yet rebellious charm that tempered his usual arrogance and aloofness, revealing a touch of scholarly elegance and gentleness.
In stark contrast to Nathael's reserved and profound temperament, Maggie exuded a deep-seated aura of decisiveness and ruthlessness. Her demeanor was restrained and aloof, even in silence, evoking a sense of intimidation. Maggie had just begun speaking when she received a call from Mia.
While chatting with Mia, Leo categorized the assets transferred to Maggie, annotating the document directly. He provided detailed instructions: which assets needed immediate sale, which could be held for increased value, and which held potential for appreciation. He also outlined profitable assets and their estimated profit margins. Mia's call primarily concerned the Herschire Cultural Park incident, allowing Maggie a brief respite in conversation.
Returning from the call, Maggie found Leo had already categorized and annotated the contract. She paused, a slight welling of emotion in her eyes. She didn't express gratitude; the word "thanks" held little weight between them.
"After taking some time, carefully review it. Some matters require your personal consideration. Once you've decided, hand it over to me, and I'll handle the rest," Leo said, looking at Maggie after writing the final line. "Alright," Maggie nodded, handing him the jewelry she didn't intend to keep. "Just sell these directly."
She needed money. Years of dedicated service to the Camerons, while maintaining her principles, had left her impoverished. Her most pressing concern was accumulating assets.
"I estimate that after selling all properties and jewelry, you'll have around 10.5 to 12 million," Leo said gently.
Maggie nodded, understanding this sum might be insignificant for a truly wealthy family. However, the Camerons' intentions toward her were malicious; extracting 10.5 to 12 million was a significant sacrifice on their part. Moreover, the matter was far from resolved.
"How much will you charge for the blueprints sold to the Camerons?" Leo asked.
Maggie paused, then said coldly, "1.5 million dollars."
(The timestamp "12:39 Thu, 16 May" and "0082%" are extraneous and should be removed.)
Maggie pondered seriously. For projects like the Herschire Cultural Park, design drawings are typically handled by a team, and the overall project design usually takes several months. A design fee exceeding three hundred thousand dollars would be reasonable; a renowned designer might command 600 to 750 thousand. 1.5 million dollars was likely the Camerons' maximum tolerance.
Maggie estimated the Camerons' profit from a successful Herschire Cultural Park project at around 4.5 million dollars. However, considering materials and design fees, their remaining profit would be minimal. Regardless of potential profit, Master Cameron and Ronald had broader goals: establishing government connections to secure future projects and elevate the Camerons' reputation.
"Leaving Ronald a profit margin over 1.5 million is acceptable. You have a conscience," Leo observed, his tone gentle yet indifferent. The warmth in his eyes deepened only when he looked at Maggie.
Maggie chuckled coldly. "Even leaving them a 15-million-dollar profit margin wouldn't matter. Ultimately, all they can do is count their money."
That evening, Mia invited Maggie to celebrate at the Crimson Grove. This first step was a successful start. Furthermore, if the plan succeeded, the Camerons would owe Leo an additional 1.5 million dollars in design fees.
"Do you think Ronald will suspect you?" Mia asked, concerned.
"Suspicion is inevitable, but he'll likely be too busy to focus on me," Maggie replied, a calculating glint in her eyes as she curved her lips.
In her heart, Mia silently prayed for the Camerons. Offending Maggie was unwise. Their friendship was accidental. Mia, with her dominant personality and arrogant upbringing as the Camerons' adopted daughter, had initially viewed Maggie with the condescending attitude typical of her social circle. She had always been patient and avoided conflict with the Camerons.
At a banquet, when Maggie was ridiculed, Mia defended her. She initially perceived Maggie as weak, offering help without genuine kindness or attention. However, at that same banquet, Mia was nearly trapped and set on fire by a scheme orchestrated by an older Cameron associate. She recalled Maggie's expression then—similar to when she’d helped her at the banquet—a look of fragile pity mixed with disdain.
These thoughts silenced Mia.
Leaning back on the sofa, Mia lit a cigarette. The scarlet flame flickered between her black nails, creating a sensual and charming atmosphere. When had she started liking Maggie? Perhaps when Maggie avenged her, displaying an innocent, seemingly hypocritical yet shrewd demeanor—cool and obedient yet ruthlessly determined in action. Maggie was terrifying and intriguing, captivating in her vibrancy.
"Maggie, I have a gift for you."
Snapping out of her reverie, Mia looked eagerly at Maggie. In the shifting light, Maggie found Mia’s eyes captivating. The usually indifferent woman now possessed remarkably bright eyes.
"What is it?"
Mia smiled, clapping her hands. The Crimson Grove manager, accompanied by a dozen handsome men, approached their booth.
Maggie blinked, confused.
"Ms. Gatlin, everyone has arrived. We can make further arrangements if needed," the manager bowed respectfully.
Mia found them acceptable. She smiled at Maggie. "There you go, your Nathael-esque gentlemen." Maggie was stunned. This woman was teasing her.
Meanwhile, at a nearby booth, Jimmy, cigarette in hand, teased Nathael: "Tsk, Nathael, your charm is unmatched. Someone downstairs specifically requested gentlemen like you."