Chapter 71: Blacklist

A week later, Maggie was engrossed in her graduation thesis when Ronald called. "Maggie, you need to come home! There's trouble with the Herschire Cultural Park project," he urged.

"What's going on?" Maggie asked, feigning ignorance, though she knew the project review was overdue, thanks to William's efforts. The Camerons were in serious trouble. The project was finished.

"Come home, and we'll discuss it," Ronald said.

Maggie immediately went to the Camerons' residence. Finding everyone in the tense, gloomy living room, she anxiously asked, "Dad, what's happening? Wasn't the project progressing smoothly?"

Sierra entered, asking, "What's going on? Why the urgent call? I was having dinner with friends."

Before she finished, Master Cameron angrily hurled a fruit plate at her. Sierra dodged, the glass shattering. Her carefree demeanor vanished, replaced by apprehension.

"Grandpa, what are you doing? Are you trying to scare me?" she exclaimed, amidst the scattered glass.

"Are you still able to eat after what you've done? Do you realize what you've done? You single-handedly sabotaged the Herschire Cultural Park project by buying Leo's drawing without consulting us! You were deceived, but you're still proud of yourself! You fool!" Master Cameron raged, his fury so intense he couldn't rise from the sofa.

Maggie observed calmly. Sierra, perplexed, asked, "Whatwhat did I do wrong? If I hadn't obtained the design draft, the project would have been ruined!"

Since being caught destroying Maggie's design draft, Sierra had been grounded, only allowed to leave that morning after much pleading. Little did she know she'd be summoned home hours later.

Olivia interjected, "That's enough, Sierra! Stop talking!" She wanted to help but felt powerless.

Maggie asked gently, "Grandpa, what's the issue? Is there a problem with the design?"

"The design's fine," Master Cameron said sternly. "The problem is Leo. I showed the design to Mr. Homer, and the project's primary reviewer is his acquaintance. Initially, there were no problems. But after seeing our proposal, they assumed we bought it. We're incapable and untrustworthy." Maggie, startled, frowned.

Ronald nodded. "They question our attitude and reputation. Using someone else's work is disrespectful and lacks integrity. They've said there will be no future collaboration."

"No collaboration whatsoever?" Maggie asked.

Master Cameron grimaced. "Our family has been blacklisted."

Not only would the Herschire Cultural Park project suffer, but the Camerons would struggle to secure official projects for the foreseeable future—perhaps a decade. Maggie's lips pursed; a cold glint flashed in her eyes. Her plan had gone beyond sabotaging the project; it was designed to block all opportunities for the Camerons. The more Master Cameron relied on official channels, the more Maggie aimed to destroy his hopes.

Without official backing, the family's future looked bleak. Their adversaries would exploit their vulnerability. The blacklisting would further damage their already tarnished reputation, triggering a chain reaction affecting numerous collaborations and projects. This was exactly what Maggie wanted.

Sierra, however, didn't grasp the gravity of the situation. "So what if we're blacklisted? Official projects don't make much profit anyway," she said casually.

Master Cameron's fury intensified. He rose, gripping his cane, and paced, exclaiming, "What a troublemaker! How did we raise such a fool?"

Sierra, unconvinced but silenced by his rage, still felt the lingering ache from his previous beating. Maggie raised an eyebrow, her gaze dark.

Master Cameron's assessment wasn't entirely unfounded. The family was astute, but perhaps karma had caught up with them. As he prepared to strike Sierra again, Olivia intervened. "Dad, Sierra meant well. None of us anticipated the Calebs' cunning or how our plan would be exposed. It's bad luck." Maggie remained silent; Olivia's defense was clever—implying collective responsibility, that while Sierra acted alone, they all approved the plan. Sierra's intentions were good; she was trying to make amends.

Pushing Olivia aside, Master Cameron turned on her. "This is all because of the daughter you raised! Maggie said this was inappropriate, but you let Sierra out! Am I dead in your eyes?"

Maggie interjected gently, "Grandpa, let it go. Sierra only lost 750,000—not an exorbitant amount. Let's see if there's a chance for redemption."

Olivia added, "Yes, Sierra made a mistake, but the loss was minimal. I'll contact Mrs. Harrett about redemption."

A servant announced, "Sir, Mr. Caleb is at the door; he's here to collect a debt."