Chapter 9: Just Playing Around

Laughter erupted from the group. Vanessa chuckled, remarking, "Never mind. I wouldn't dare have her serve me. The Camerons have spoiled her rotten since childhood. Can you imagine her serving something as simple as tea or water?" The others exchanged glances, their gazes shifting behind Vanessa as she spoke. Awkwardly clutching their wine glasses, they laughed to mask their embarrassment. Unaware, Vanessa reveled in the prospect of joining the Adams family. She continued, "But I believe that, since her mother is a servant, she must have some talent. However, Maggie has always looked down on people like me, from humble backgrounds. How could she stoop so low?"

Suddenly, Maggie's voice rang out: "I wonder what Ms. Brown expects me to do? Serve tea and water, or assist with dressing and feeding?"

A cold voice came from behind. Vanessa stiffened. She hadn't anticipated Maggie's arrival and, fearing the Adams would discover her secret, had kept it from Maggie. "Maggie, you've misunderstood," Vanessa said anxiously, attempting an explanation. Maggie smiled radiantly. "Ms. Brown," she said, "you're eager to please. You truly resemble someone from an embarrassing, fallen family. Once you gain power, your petty nature reveals itself." Vanessa, unprepared for Maggie's bluntness, looked taken aback. "Maggie, I didn't mean that. You've misunderstood."

She didn't want to alienate Maggie; she was using Maggie's identity, and needed her cooperation. Maggie smiled faintly. "If it's a misunderstanding, there's no need for an explanation."

Vanessa relaxed slightly, but remained uneasy. Maggie laughed. "But Vanessa, what am I jealous of? Is it that, despite your evident financial struggles, you juggle multiple jobs to afford luxury brands? Or perhaps that you live in a poor area but pretend to be of noble birth? Or is it your alcoholic father who occasionally beats you?"

Each word struck a nerve. Vanessa paled. She hadn't expected this public revelation. Wasn't Maggie always so easy to deceive? Vanessa clenched her fists, suppressing her anger.

She forced a smile. "Maggie, I didn't mean—"

"Really? So, is it my hearing problem? Or are the people here all sleepwalking?"

Maggie's eyes turned cold, making Vanessa tremble. Realizing she couldn't maintain the pretense, Vanessa dropped the act. "Maggie, what are you so proud of? You're merely relying on your beauty and good luck! If it weren't for being adopted by the Camerons, your life would be even worse than mine!"

"Oh, how could I forget? Even if the Camerons adopted you, aren't you just a plaything for Nathael? You cling to Joseph, yet have an ambiguous relationship with Nathael. Would someone like Nathael genuinely like you? Let me tell you, he's just playing around! And Joseph won't want you anymore."

Years of resentment poured out, bringing Vanessa a fleeting sense of pleasure. Maggie remained calm, about to speak, when a deep, cold male voice cut through the air from behind: "It seems this lady knows my preferences quite well?"

Maggie was stunned, turning to see the crowd parting. Nathael stood tall, handsome and imposing. His dark eyes held a hint of cruelty. The noise subsided. Whispers rippled through the crowd:

"The seventh young master of the Harris family is here." "I didn't expect Mr. Harris to come." "He always has a good relationship with the Adams. He would attend Master Adam's birthday party." "But what is Vanessa's background? How dare she criticize Mr. Harris? Doesn't she value her life?" "Perhaps it's a strategy to capture a man's heart. She wants to attract Mr. Harris' attention."

Vanessa paled under Nathael's gaze. She tried to compose herself. "Sir I" She hadn't expected him to overhear. Her mind went blank, her legs trembling.

Nathael's lips curled into a cold smile. "So, do you aspire to become the Third Madam of Harris? Are you trying to choose a wife for me?"

Her face paled further. Laughter erupted.

"Ms. Brown, you're quite ambitious at such a young age. You dared to scheme against Mr. Harris." "Which Brown family does she belong to? How could they raise such an ill-mannered person?" "Does she think she's worthy of being the Third Madam of Harris? Madam Elise is a renowned beauty in Aquapolis, and everyone respects her."

Vanessa lowered her head. "I'm sorry, sir. I shouldn't have made such a joke. I'll be more careful in the future."

Nathael sneered. "Alex, make sure she's blacklisted from all Harris family businesses."

Vanessa stared in astonishment as Nathael turned and walked away, ignoring Maggie. "Maggie, I won't let you get away with this!" Vanessa glared at Maggie's retreating figure, blaming her. She never imagined offending such a powerful man on the eve of joining the Adams family.

Maggie caught up and grabbed Nathael's arm. He halted, staring coldly at her. She was stunning in her black strapless gown. His eyes darkened, lingering on her hand before he said coldly, "Let me go."