Chapter 89: Quota

After the press conference, Maggie hadn't contacted Nathael again. Unsurprisingly, he hadn't contacted 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 Laura Foster's office. "Maggie, you're here. Please take a seat," Laura said.

Laura Foster, Maggie's advisor, was a middle-aged woman in her forties. She usually appeared stern and old-fashioned, often wearing black-framed glasses and a bun. Her minimal makeup and scholarly demeanor could be intimidating.

However, Maggie knew her advisor was kind, particularly to hardworking students. She was less tolerant of those who wasted time and lacked ambition. Having known her for a long time, Maggie felt favored by Laura. In her previous life, she had served the Camerons, and Laura had repeatedly advised her to plan her own future, to seek opportunities beyond the limitations of her service to them. At the time, Maggie had been too young to understand the Camerons' manipulative use of gratitude.

"How have you been feeling lately?" Maggie asked gently, accepting the water Laura offered.

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

This opportunity was the reason Vanessa had tried to frame her with a fake bracelet. Vanessa had gone to great lengths to secure this chance.

"The department originally secured two slots, but one went to landscape design. 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 Yatrian architectural design has a unique historical background and style. Yatrian designers are known for their daring ideas, and many Renaissance manuscripts still influence them today"

In her previous life, she had given this opportunity to Vanessa. This time, however, she truly wanted to go. Losing her sight had made her realize how much she'd missed. Now, she wanted to experience different cultures and architectural styles.

Laura, who always favored Maggie, smiled. "All right. I'll do my best to help you secure it."

"Thank you, Ms. Foster."

Laura hesitated before adding, "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 replied gently, "Please don't worry. Everything will be fine as long as you're healthy."

Laura had been suffering from cervical compression due to work pressure, fainting 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," Vanessa said, reaching for her hand.

Maggie evaded her touch, smiling sarcastically. "You seem to enjoy pretending to be close despite your resentment. Doesn't it bother you?"

Vanessa's smile faltered. "At the 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 slightly. "Given our past relationship, Maggie, I suggest you avoid provoking Nathael. Associating with him isn't in our best interest."

Maggie gazed at her, a hint of mockery on her lips.

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

Maggie laughed. In the past, she might have seen Vanessa's words as concern, but now she understood. Vanessa's real fear was Maggie becoming involved with Nathael and potentially surpassing her.

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

Vanessa struggled to respond. "Maggie, I'm not joking. I'm speaking for the sake of our past relationship"

"No need for what? No need to say much in front of Joseph?" Maggie interrupted. "What kind of relationship did we have? I should thank you for removing that jerk from my life. You were so kind to sacrifice yourself for me."

Vanessa's expression darkened. She hadn't intended to sever ties with Maggie so quickly, but Maggie was proving increasingly difficult to manipulate. Regretful but unwilling to continue, Vanessa's demeanor grew colder.

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