Chapter 70 Dupe

Sierra's complexion paled. She stood up, then sat back down as Maggie's smug expression spurred her to stay. She pleaded, "Mr. Caleb, can you give me a discount? We can be friends." Leo chuckled softly. He gazed at Sierra as he replied, "Ms. Cameron, I'm not interested in being your friend."

Leo's unyielding bluntness wiped away the last remnants of Sierra's forced smile. Impatiently, he rose. "Since you aren't sincere, let's forget it." He left without looking back.

"Wait!" Sierra's heart ached. "Three million it is! I trust Mr. Caleb will honor your word and safeguard the secret."

Leo returned to his seat. "Certainly."

Shortly afterward, he summoned a lawyer. After signing the contract, Sierra gave Leo $1.5 million, provided by Olivia. Despite her best efforts, she could only raise an additional $750,000.

The Camerons were affluent, but Sierra, though her name appeared on several companies, had no real control over them; she received no profits. She ran those two companies under her jurisdiction purely for pleasure. Her family was lenient, but her lavish spending left her with no savings each month. This payment took considerable time to accumulate.

"Mr. Caleb, for the remaining amount, could I offer an IOU for now?" Sierra asked hesitantly.

Leo was incredulous. "I will pay you within a month," Sierra vowed earnestly.

She received a $75,000 monthly allowance from her family, with additional funds available for special needs. Repaying the debt independently would be challenging, but Sierra wasn't worried. She was confident that once the Herschire Cultural Park project was approved, her family would settle the debt. Even if her father was reluctant, her parents would ultimately assist her.

"I cannot wait a month; if Ms. Cameron fails to repay on time, I'll pay you a personal visit," Leo agreed.

After Leo's departure, Sierra consulted two Cameron designers to review the plans and sketches. Satisfied, she returned home.

Thu, 16 May

Chapter 70 Dupe

Seeing the $1.5 million price doubled, Maggie felt she'd be laughing in her dreams tonight.

Two hours later, a servant summoned Maggie downstairs. Master Cameron, Ronald, Sierra, and two experienced family architects were examining and discussing something.

Master Cameron beckoned Maggie upon her arrival. "Maggie, come look at this proposal. What are your thoughts?"

Maggie feigned ignorance, swiftly taking the design plans. She examined them seriously, though she knew them intimately. The proposal was a collaboration between her and several of Leo's designers. Short on time and juggling two proposals, she'd given Leo an idea and overseen key aspects, leaving the rest to the other designers.

Everyone awaited her evaluation. She nodded. "The overall planning is logical and novel. Integrating Herschire Cultural Park's history and culture with Aquapolis is commendable. I believe we should proceed."

Master Cameron and his group smiled.

"Excellent! Let's proceed. Joseph can handle the construction materials again. We'll spare no expense and still meet the deadline."

Sierra smiled with relief.

"Grandpa, where did this proposal originate?" Maggie asked innocently.

Master Cameron sighed. "The Calebs initially prepared it. You mentioned Leo's craftiness; I hesitated. Now that you approve, I can relax."

Maggie was stunned, then remarked, "The planning and drawings are impressive. I found Leo unpredictable, but with this plan, I feel at ease."

"I have reservations about Leo," Master Cameron nodded. "Given the circumstances, caution is wise."

"Our family is truly blessed. If the project progresses smoothly, the $1.5 million invested will be worthwhile," Maggie said pointedly.

Olivia smiled. "Maggie, it's $750,000. Sierra and Mr. Caleb secured the project for that price." Maggie was shocked. Had she not known Sierra was duped into spending $3 million, she might have believed their deception.

"Sierra did an excellent job," Madam Cameron commended.

Sierra smiled at Maggie. "It's fortunate Maggie didn't finalize the deal earlier, or we'd have spent more. I wasn't criticizing Maggie, but she overthinks. Thank goodness the design plan is satisfactory."

Her usual meanness was surprisingly restrained. Though losing $3 million pained her, Sierra falsely claimed to have spent only $750,000 to outdo Maggie. She now only owed Leo $750,000, and once that was repaid, no one would be the wiser.

Maggie smiled softly. "If the Herschire Cultural Park project proceeds smoothly, Sierra deserves credit."

Her sincere, seemingly happy expression irritated Sierra. In reality, Maggie was thrilled. Finding someone as trusting as Sierra was rare. No, not gullible—generous and kind-hearted!

Sierra sneered. "I should thank you for this opportunity. However, you revealed your true nature—overthinking and maliciously speculating. Who would have imagined this drawing is flawless?"

Olivia defended Sierra. "Though Sierra's words were harsh, there's truth to them. Maggie, you overanalyze and hesitate too much."