Chapter 83: Press Conference
Maggie lowered her eyes, her voice cold as she spoke of Nathael with disdain. "Nathael is unpredictable and difficult to control. I've tried to tell him this several times, but he remained stubborn."
Luna looked at Maggie coldly, speaking sarcastically. "You are useless! The Camerons raised you, yet you haven't contributed anything to the family. Instead, you've been taken advantage of by others for nothing. Nowadays, even the mistresses outside have a price tag!"
Master Cameron reprimanded Luna sternly. "Enough! Maggie is the daughter of the Camerons. How can you compare her to those women?"
Luna snorted but remained silent.
Olivia sighed. "Although Luna's words are harsh, they're reasonable. The Harris family hasn't offered any explanation. They're being disrespectful."
Noah nodded. "You're correct. If they respected us, they would have apologized or explained. We can forgive them, but their actions show their lack of regard."
Maggie glanced indifferently at Noah, her uncle—a ruthless yet remarkably handsome man. Ronald, the capable and astute eldest son, was graceful and dignified. However, where there were conflicts of interest, there were hidden shadows, most of which Noah, who strikingly resembled Ronald (though he was much heavier and more affable), managed. He gave off the air of a "smiling tiger."
In her previous life, Maggie had never liked her uncle. She couldn't explain why, but despite his attempts to be close, she couldn't warm to him.
Ronald looked at Maggie, frowning with an air of integrity. "Maggie, what do you think?"
"I'll obey the family's decisions," Maggie replied firmly.
Ronald continued, "Then we will hold a press conference, and you will testify against Nathael." Maggie anticipated this; the Camerons had never abandoned the idea. However, the unfinished Chronopolis project offered a glimmer of hope.
Master Cameron spoke in a deep tone. "Furthermore, due to the impact of the Herschire Cultural Park project, the family intends to shift focus towards developing the jewelry business. What are your thoughts?" Maggie remained composed, silently strategizing. She had predicted the Camerons' unwillingness to abandon the jewelry business. Recent economic growth and increased purchasing power had boosted the Adams' flourishing jewelry business—a business the Camerons had previously competed with.
Master Cameron spoke solemnly, seeking his family's opinions. "What are your opinions? Speak up."
The discussion lasted over an hour.
After everyone dispersed, Olivia took Maggie's hand, her voice choked with emotion. "Maggie, if you have nothing to do, please visit us frequently. Your grandfather forbids Sierra's return, and if your mother can't see you, it will be unbearable"
Maggie sensed Olivia's distress. Despite their flaws, they were family. Sierra, however, was Olivia's dearest.
"Mom, Grandpa's just upset. Once he calms down and the Cameron jewelry business is back on track, I'll persuade him to let Sierra return," Maggie said.
Olivia felt relieved. She gently squeezed Maggie's hand. "I hoped things wouldn't escalate with Mr. Harris, but it seems it will get messy. Mom knows you're upset, but we need to be practical and gain advantages. The Harris family is powerful, and offending them won't be easy." She studied Maggie's expression.
The actions suggested by Ronald and Master Cameron had yielded nothing; they had sacrificed Maggie in vain and gained nothing from Nathael. They suspected Nathael treated Maggie differently, otherwise previous projects wouldn't have gone so smoothly. The sudden deterioration of their relationship didn't make sense. Had the Camerons made a mistake?
Maggie, feigning absentmindedness, saw through Olivia's thoughts. "Last time, he never admitted the incident. He always believed we planned it." Olivia's heart sank.
"Mom, don't worry, I'll think of a way. We'll see if I can regain his trust."
Three days later, the Camerons received no good news. The press conference accusing Nathael of molestation was imminent.
Chapter 83: Press Conference (Continued)
The press conference was held at the Fressa International Hotel. Many reporters and media were present, largely due to Nathael's involvement. Half an hour before the start, the banquet hall was packed. The Camerons didn't rush in. Maggie wore a low-key knitted suit with minimal makeup, but Olivia was dissatisfied.
"It's too bright and colorful!" She felt Maggie should look more haggard and disheveled to make the accusations more believable. Despite her efforts, Maggie's expression remained unchanged. Olivia wished she'd told Maggie to sleep less and eat nothing.
Shortly after Olivia left, Joseph entered, his gaze on Maggie. "Are you going to testify against Nathael?" He wasn't sure he believed her; he sensed their relationship was more complex than it seemed, an intuition he couldn't explain.
Maggie smiled slyly. "Do you not want me to?"
Joseph was speechless, his gaze complicated. He found Maggie difficult to understand.
He adjusted his emotions, speaking gently with feigned warmth. "Don't be afraid. I will support you no matter what."