Chapter 89 Quota

After the press conference, Maggie didn't contact Nathael again. Unsurprisingly, Nathael didn't contact her either. For the past two weeks, she'd been busy with her graduation project and some design drafts, hoping to stay occupied and avoid overthinking.

Today was the final day before the first phase of her project defense. After receiving a call from her advisor, Maggie returned to school early and went straight to her teacher's office. "Maggie, you're here. Please take a seat."

Laura Foster, Maggie's advisor, was a middle-aged woman in her forties. She usually appeared stern and old-fashioned, often sporting black-framed glasses and a bun. She wore little makeup and had a scholarly demeanor that could seem intimidating.

However, Maggie knew her advisor was kind, especially to hardworking students. She was less pleasant to those who wasted time and lacked ambition. Having "lived two lifetimes," Maggie knew her advisor had always favored her. In her previous life, she had served the Camerons, and her advisor had repeatedly urged her to plan for her own future, to find a path to success beyond the limitations of her service to the Camerons and their manipulative use of gratitude.

But at that time, she was too young to understand the Camerons' self-serving intentions.

"Ms. Foster," Maggie said gently, accepting the water offered, "how have you been feeling lately?"

Laura's serious expression softened into a smile. "Just the usual, nothing serious. I called you in to discuss the Yatria exchange program. You know about it, right?" Maggie nodded.

If not for this opportunity, Vanessa probably wouldn't have gone to such lengths to frame her with the fake bracelet. Vanessa had done it all for this chance.

"The department originally secured two slots, but after one went to landscape design, only one remains. I plan to negotiate for another slot for you. What do you think?"

Maggie nodded. "This is an opportunity I can't miss. I've heard that Yatria's architectural design has a unique historical style. Designers there are known for daring ideas, and many influential Renaissance manuscripts are still prevalent today."

In her previous life, she had given this opportunity to Vanessa. But this time, she truly wanted to go. Having lost her sight, she realized how much she'd missed. Now, she wanted to experience new customs, cultures, and architectural styles.

Laura, who always had a soft spot for Maggie, smiled. "All right. I'll do my best to help you get it."

"Thank you, Ms. Foster."

Laura hesitated, then said, "Vanessa is also vying for this opportunity. She's complex and not entirely sincere. Be cautious in your interactions with her." Laura suspected Vanessa's involvement in the bracelet incident.

Maggie nodded. "Please don't worry. I'll be fine as long as you're healthy."

Laura had developed cervical compression from the pressure of deadlines. She'd fainted twice in class.

"I understand. My health isn't what it used to be, but I'm not a fossil yet. I'll take care of myself."

Leaving the office, Maggie ran into Vanessa, who was dressed in a light blue suit. Seeing Maggie, Vanessa warmly greeted her.

"Hey, Maggie," she said, reaching out.

Maggie avoided her hand. "You seem to enjoy pretending to be close despite your resentment. Doesn't it bother you?"

Vanessa's smile faltered. "At the last press conference, Joseph mentioned you were going to accuse Nathael, but changed your mind. Was he upset?"

Maggie chuckled. "Hasn't Joseph told you? He said he'd always support me, regardless of my decision."

Vanessa's expression changed, but she recovered quickly. "Given our past, Maggie, I suggest you don't provoke Nathael. Associating with him isn't in your best interest." Maggie stared at her silently.

Vanessa continued, "The Camerons are looking out for themselves, but there's nothing in this for you."

Maggie laughed. In the past, she might have seen Vanessa's words as concern, but now she understood. Vanessa, despite her alliance with Joseph, feared Maggie becoming involved with Nathael. Her advice stemmed from fear of being surpassed.

"Does Joseph know you're talking to me like this? I wonder how he'd react," Maggie said casually.

Vanessa struggled to respond. "Maggie, I'm not joking. I'm speaking from our past relationship. If you don't appreciate it, then so be it. There's no need"

"No need for what? No need to say much in front of Joseph?" Maggie interjected. "What kind of relationship did we have? I should thank you for getting rid of that jerk. You're so kind for sacrificing yourself for me."

Vanessa's expression darkened. She hadn't intended to cut ties so quickly, as she could still benefit from Maggie. It was unexpected to hear her own past words echoed back. Maggie was becoming increasingly difficult to manipulate.

Regretful but unwilling to continue, Vanessa's demeanor grew colder once she realized Maggie was no longer at her disposal.

"Feel free to say what you want. Just remember, Joseph isn't a jerk. He'd be disappointed to hear you," Vanessa said, maintaining a facade of innocence.