Chapter 88: Don't Call Me Like That

After Beth left, Maggie remained seated for quite some time. The weight of Beth's words hung heavy in the air. It seemed Beth hadn't realized that, despite everything she'd said that day, nothing was as hurtful as her final, boastful remark.

Maggie set down her coffee, her interest waning. A tightness in her chest stifled her appetite.

She understood Beth's final jab was a face-saving tactic after losing their confrontation. Beth was asserting her superior understanding of Nathael. However, to Maggie, the sentence felt like a dagger to the heart.

Seafood allergy!

The absurdity struck her. During their past life together, she'd been completely unaware. She didn't know him at all—not even his basic habits or health conditions.

Suddenly, Maggie recalled the last time she'd made seafood curry for him. He'd hesitated to eat it, only doing so after her encouragement. She remembered noticing small red spots on his hand after he washed the dishes. At the time, she'd dismissed them as mosquito bites, never considering a seafood allergy.

Overwhelming despair and confusion washed over her. Am I truly deserving of being with him? Am I truly worthy of his affection? Regardless of past lives, even in this life, her treatment of him had been far from pure. Her heart, long hardened and scarred by hatred and a thirst for power, had been consumed by revenge. She refused to accept that her genuine feelings had been betrayed, or that others had deceived her in her past life. She still yearned to exact revenge on the Camerons for past wrongs.

Maggie gazed down at the latte art, her eyes unfocused. She'd never truly understood him, unaware of his preferences and habits. Despite living together in their past lives, they'd never truly been together. Would my self-proclaimed closeness only bring him more trouble?

Maggie's heart ached, feeling lost and indecisive for the first time since her rebirth. She sat alone in the coffee shop until sunset before finally leaving.

Meanwhile, on the other side…

Upon concluding his final meeting, Nathael glanced at his silent phone with a dark expression. Isn't she supposed to be using me? Why hasn't she contacted me to take credit after the press conference?

After a moment's consideration of Maggie's number, he placed his phone down, untouched. He rose and strolled to the floor-to-ceiling window, lit a cigarette, and regarded it with a cold, stubborn demeanor.

He knew that if he wanted her attention, he'd have to endure the longing. Otherwise, once she felt her objective was accomplished, she'd likely dismiss him without hesitation.

Nathael lowered his gaze, his throat tightening slightly. The situation was unfolding differently than he'd anticipated, causing him some frustration.

Shortly after, Alex knocked. "Mr. Harris, Ms. Bray would like to see you."

Nathael's eyes darkened. He loosened his tie, his impatience evident. "I don't want to see her."

Alex hesitated. "She said it's about Ms. Adam and wishes to speak with you."

After a pause, Nathael conceded, "Let her in."

A few minutes later, Beth entered, pausing as she gazed at the man by the window, her eyes brimming with barely controlled affection. He was tall and handsome, with broad shoulders, a narrow waist, and slim hips—exuding charm with every movement.

Beth couldn't help but stare before speaking. "Maggie's intentions towards you are far from pure. You heard what she said today. I just want to advise you. Having some fun is fine, but don't get too invested. A woman like her isn't worth it."

Nathael chuckled, removed his cigarette, extinguished it, and looked at Beth. "Since when did you start teaching me how to do things?" His eyes were dark, dangerous, sharp, and indifferent.

Beth's heart tightened, a wave of fear washing over her. Her throat constricted, but she pressed on. "What's so great about Maggie? She's not worthy of you at all. Since approaching you, every move she's made has been for her own benefit."

Nathael sneered. "I just hate that I don't have enough of what she wants. I'm willing to give it to her as long as she wants it."

Beth's illusions shattered. Their circle was a whirlwind of power, influence, beauty, and excitement, but Nathael never truly indulged. He was a part of it, yet remained calm and restrained.

Beth had grown up with him, and over the years, she'd never seen him waste so much time on any woman, nor engage in ambiguous relationships. But now, for the first time, she heard such words from him.

Her hand clenched, nails digging into her flesh—the pain mirroring the disbelief and resentment in her heart. Why? On what grounds? What's so special about Maggie? How could a man as clear-headed and restrained as him become so blindly infatuated with that woman?

"Are you out of your mind?" Beth's face contorted as she spoke with difficulty.

"Get out." Nathael didn't want to waste any more words. His beautiful eyes remained dark and indifferent.

Beth refused to leave. "I met her today…"

Before she finished, his sharp gaze locked onto her, cold and dangerous, sending chills down her spine.

"Who allowed you to take matters into your own hands?" His voice was deep, laced with hostility.

Beth swallowed, unable to answer. Instead, she blurted, "She admitted she approached you for her family's profit. She also thinks you won't be angry about it. Nathael, what do you see in such a greedy and insincere woman?"

She couldn't understand. Maggie was beautiful, but there had been more beautiful women over the years. So why her?

Nathael's face was cold, his sharp eyes unwavering, his voice icy. "Beth, this is my final warning. Don't meddle in my business."

Beth's heart trembled. She instinctively took two steps back. Nathael was usually reserved and indifferent, unimpressed by most things. But when he turned ruthless, it was terrifying.

"And don't call my name affectionately like that. If there's a next time, I will personally talk to Master Bray."