Chapter 8: The Cruel Reality

A cold glint flashed in Maggie's eyes. Vanessa, having stolen her jade pendant and assumed her identity, enjoyed the Adams family's love while colluding with Joseph to plot against them. This time, Maggie wouldn't let Vanessa's schemes succeed. She returned to the present, dialing Leo Caleb's number.

"Leo, do you know any experts who can customize jade pendants? I want to order one."

The Calebs were Aquapolis's wealthiest family. Though Leo was their illegitimate son, his status ensured strong relationships with both the affluent and the commoners.

"Send me the quality, style, and color of the jade you want," a warm male voice replied—a voice she hadn't heard in a long time, making her feel dizzy. After a long silence, Leo spoke again. "Maggie?"

"It's nothing. Just…hearing your voice feels good."

What had happened to Leo in her previous life? After discovering her relationship with Nathael, Leo had vehemently opposed him. Though no match for Nathael, Leo had still caused considerable trouble, creating intense friction between them.

Later, when she was blinded and disfigured, Leo wanted to take her away, but Nathael insisted on marrying her and refused to let her go. Their feud deepened, culminating in Leo's death in a car accident on her wedding day. She had blamed Nathael, her hatred for him insurmountable.

"Did someone bully you?" Leo asked, sensing something was wrong. He extinguished his cigarette, stood, and moved to a quiet terrace.

"No, it's just that…the truth is always cruel. So cruel it's unbearable at times."

Maggie had so much to say, but didn't know where to begin. Fortunately, besides despicable individuals like Joseph, Sierra, and Vanessa, she had loyal friends like Leo and Mia Gatlin.

Leo frowned. "What happened, Maggie?"

Maggie paused, then said softly, "I just discovered the Camerons' so-called kindness was a calculated deception from the start."

She didn't need to say more; Leo would understand. After ending the call, Maggie stared blankly at the night sky. In her previous life, she had aided a tyrant, killed her family, and been used and betrayed by the Camerons, the people she'd trusted most. And Nathael? Had he been afraid she couldn't bear the truth, worried she'd live in endless regret and resentment, so he never explained? He'd rather be the one she hated, carefully protecting her feelings and weaving a beautiful lie.

"Fool," she whispered, her eyes moistening.

She found Nathael's number and sent a message: "Don't let the wound get wet. Change the dressing on time."

Nathael, reviewing documents, remained silent after reading the message, until Alex arrived with new contracts.

"Sir, the files Ms. Adam copied from your computer…" Alex began, but didn't finish.

Nathael always treated Maggie differently. But if she'd given those files to the Camerons, it would have been a significant loss for him. He lowered his eyes, thinking of her dressing his wound.

After a while, he said gravely, "Prepare for both possibilities."

"Yes, sir."

A week later, at the Adams family's birthday banquet, Maggie, having received an invitation from Leo, arrived early. In her previous life, consumed by her feelings about Nathael, she hadn't attended. She remembered it was at this banquet that Vanessa was publicly announced as the Adams' long-lost daughter.

"Vanessa, you want to impersonate me and harm my family?" Maggie thought. "Dream on!"

The banquet, held at Aquapolis's top international hotel, was lavish. Many guests were already present, engaged in lively conversation. Maggie discreetly searched for Vanessa, spotting her in a white dress, chatting and smiling. Maggie's eyes narrowed. "Just as I suspected, she came fully prepared."

Vanessa, having lost her mother young and with an alcoholic father, had struggled to fit in among the wealthy. Now, she was dressed in the latest designer clothes and exquisite jewelry. Maggie casually drank a glass of champagne and approached Vanessa.

"Vanessa, I hear you're the Adams' long-lost daughter. Is that true?"

Someone friendly with Vanessa asked. The rumors were circulating. Vanessa didn't deny it. "I didn't expect it either," she smiled.

Flattery followed immediately. "You've always been outstanding! No wonder you excel at everything!"

"Yes, don't forget about us when you return to the Adams family," another added.

Vanessa beamed. "Of course, we're friends, no matter what."

Their smiles widened. One asked, "By the way, why isn't Maggie here? This is such a joyful occasion for you."

Vanessa's expression fell. "Perhaps because of our different social statuses now. She was the daughter of the Adams' maid, and now…"

"How could she act this way?" someone exclaimed.

"She was born to a maid and lucky to be taken in by the Camerons. How can she compare to Vanessa, a true lady?"

Vanessa feigned sadness.

"I don't mind, but she shouldn't. She's arrogant, but inferior in every aspect. Her only identity is…"

Someone suggested, "Since her mother was a maid, why not have her serve as your maid? It would be like a mother and daughter."