Chapter 84: Seize the Opportunity

Maggie's eyes, clear but doubtful, met his. "Really?"

Joseph responded quickly, "Of course. Do whatever you want; I'll always support you."

Maggie sneered inwardly, maintaining a composed expression. After a few seconds of silence, a look of relief washed over her. "Okay, I understand," she said gently.

Joseph breathed a sigh of relief, hoping her anger had subsided. Unexpectedly, Maggie said, "Vanessa's here. Keep her company."

Stunned, Joseph couldn't believe she was actively encouraging him to spend time with Vanessa. He couldn't fathom the woman who once doted on him now acting so differently. Her former devotion was so profound; he couldn't believe this swift change.

Joseph's Adam's apple bobbed. He wanted to speak, but ultimately remained silent. He never had much affection for Vanessa. After her deception as an Adams daughter was exposed, Maggie's anger, and his patience with Vanessa, waned. Yet, despite her failed attempt to infiltrate the Adams family, she inexplicably gained Madam Adams' favor, resulting in the Adams' renewed acceptance and kindness toward her.

Frankly, Vanessa's status might not rival a true Adams heiress, but she'd successfully usurped the missing heiress's position and won the Adams family's favor. Therefore, the original plan must proceed; he must continue appeasing her.

"Maggie, I need to tell you something about Vanessa" Joseph began, but Maggie's calm gaze silenced him. He didn't deny his numerous relationships, but Maggie held his true affections. However, abandoning Vanessa wasn't an option; further explanation was futile.

Maggie offered a faint smile. "I understand. Go ahead."

"I'll accompany you onstage later," Joseph nodded, leaving the room in silence. A hint of mockery flickered in Maggie's eyes. Vanessa's favor with the Adams family meant the Camerons still found her useful.

Thinking this, Maggie sighed. However, the revelation of her false identity would inevitably make them wary.

Her gaze fell on the newspaper on her dressing table. The press conference hadn't begun, yet major newspapers blared headlines, and the internet buzzed:

• The Harris Seven Young Masters Suspected of Molestation!
• Polar Night Club Suspected of Plagiarism!
• The Camerons' Heiress Publicly Accuses Nathael of Assault!
• The Camerons' Adopted Daughter Turns Against Nathael Out of Love!
• True Villain or Hypocrite? What is the truth behind Mr. Harris' Night with the Camerons' Heiress?

These headlines, primarily accusing Nathael, hammered his guilt into place. A tightness gripped Maggie's chest. How could this appear so blatantly? Nathael's influence should have prevented such accusations, yet he not only allowed them but also amplified them. Feeling lost, Maggie dialed Nathael's number.

How would he react to this news? Disappointment? Despair? Would he even show up?

She pondered, realizing Nathael was often embroiled in internal power struggles within the Harris family. He might have intentionally provoked criticism, anticipating the backlash.

She remembered the Chronopolis project handover to the Camerons, their subsequent greed, and their threatening press conference. She recalled the criticism and loss of power Nathael endured afterward. She vaguely remembered his triumphant return about a year later, his appointment as heir two years after that, but her attention to Nathael at the time was minimal, leaving many details hazy.

11:30 Sat, 18 May

Chapter 84: Seize the Opportunity

Maggie sighed, about to call Nathael when Madam Cameron knocked.

"Maggie, I know this public acknowledgment is difficult, impacting your future reputation, but we'll always support you. Don't be afraid," Madam Cameron comforted her gently, concerned about the negative impact on Maggie's reputation.

Maggie paused. "I'm not afraid, Grandma, but besides the photos and videos of us entering and leaving the hotel suite, we have no evidence."

The Camerons knew little about Nathael, who initially treated them well. They'd planned to hand her over to him, but he sensed deception and refused. Desperate, they made a spectacle.

Madam Cameron was stunned. "It doesn't matter. Even with evidence, it may not harm the Harris family. If we persist, Mr. Harris, or even Master Harris, might intervene." Sarcasm laced Maggie's eyes.

Why would they intervene? It was simply a matter of hush money and retraction. For so-called benefits, the Song family—these well-dressed beasts—had trampled her, regardless of the consequences.

Maggie felt foolish, disgusted by their hypocritical kindness. In the end, both she and Nathael suffered, while the Camerons profited.

Maggie nodded, seemingly understanding. "Grandma, I think focusing on practical benefits is better than explanations."

Madam Cameron was moved. "You're remarkably mature."

Maggie continued, "Instead of a public accusation, we should use this to address Mr. Harris' doubts…" Joseph interrupted, "Maggie, it's time. You need to go onstage."