Chapter 97: It's Great to Have a Brother

Maggie was taken aback. She never expected Ericko to see things so clearly. No one knew their past lives' bad ending better than she did, as he had said. They hadn't done anything wrong, yet they'd ended up in such a situation. Perhaps the Adams had always done good deeds, giving her this chance to set things right and start over.

"I have a greater advantage staying with the Camerons," she said. "At least for now, they still consider me one of their own."

Maggie wasn't lying. Staying there allowed her to better understand their movements, influence their thoughts, and hinder their business dealings, effectively changing their plans.

Ericko was quiet for a few seconds before nodding. "True. Do as you wish, but remember, you still have me, no matter what happens."

His tone was serious, but his gaze was gentle. Maggie smiled and nodded, "Okay."

"By the way," Ericko continued, "Ronald is planning to enter the jewelry industry, so be cautious. Vanessa and Joseph have a complicated relationship. Now that she has the Adams' trust, she'll surely try to steal trade secrets. Instead of driving her away, it's better to keep her close and use her to your advantage."

Hearing this, Ericko ruffled Maggie's hair. "You're still as smart as you were as a kid."

Maggie glared at him. "My hair!"

Ericko, slightly tipsy, couldn't stop smiling. Unlike his usual polite, distant smile, this one was genuine.

Maggie couldn't remember much of her childhood, despite trying. She only remembered being adopted by the Camerons. However, her childhood wasn't bad; she was praised for her intelligence. Although Ericko had sensed Vanessa's malicious intentions, he'd been unaware of her relationship with Joseph, as they were discreet and didn't spend much time together. If not for Maggie's past-life memories, she might not have noticed the clues.

"I should bring you to meet the family soon; they miss you," Ericko said softly.

Maggie smiled and nodded, "Okay." Looking at Ericko, she finally felt her life was starting anew.

It was dark outside when they finished their meal.

Before leaving, Ericko ruffled Maggie's hair again, whispering, "Now that you have an older brother, tell me if anyone bullies you."

Maggie tilted her head, looking at him brightly. "Anyone?"

"Of course," Ericko said seriously. "No one bullies my little sister."

Maggie hugged him tightly. Tears welled in her eyes. The alcohol had heightened her emotions. Ericko was even happier than she was; he'd quickly allayed all her worries.

When she'd deliberately dropped the pendant to reveal the truth, she'd considered various scenarios. She'd feared he wouldn't believe her or accept her, or that he'd think she had ulterior motives. But seeing him today, she understood the meaning of "blood is thicker than water." Family was the closest thing to them. Ericko was the best brother in the world.

Beth and Emma, leaving the shopping mall, saw a couple embracing on the opposite street corner.

"Beth, look… it's… Ericko!" Emma exclaimed, recognizing the man she'd been thinking about.

"Are you sure?" Beth wasn't initially convinced, but upon closer inspection, she knew it was impossible. How could Ericko do this? She'd never heard he had a girlfriend.

"I'm not mistaken. It's him," Emma insisted, staring. She wouldn't mistake the man she liked.

Beth looked again, her expression changing slightly. The woman embracing Ericko was Maggie, whom she'd recently met.

"It's her," Beth said.

Emma was stunned. "Who?" she asked, her eyes teary.

Beth took several pictures with her phone. "Maggie, the Camerons' adopted daughter who tried to seduce Nathael."

Emma was enraged. "What a shameless woman! She just finished seducing Mr. Harris and now she's after Ericko. Let's expose her!"

Beth seemed more excited than angry. She wanted to see how Maggie would explain herself, now that she had photographic evidence of the ambiguous relationship with Ericko. She wondered if Maggie would dare appear in front of Nathael again.

Ericko, watching Maggie cling to him and cry, fought back tears.

"Ericko," Maggie whispered, burying her face in his shoulder, wiping her nose and tears. People get overwhelmed after drinking. Ericko didn't mind his clothes getting dirty; he didn't want Maggie to ruin her image. He was at a loss for words, but when Maggie called him, he smiled. "Nana," he whispered back.

Not Maggie, but Nana. The Adams had named her Nana. Maggie liked this name; it was proof of her existence, not just as Maggie, but as someone with family and loved ones. The name made her feel loved.

The alcohol fueled Maggie's hazy-eyed smile. "It's nice to have a brother."

Ericko smiled back. Nothing could be happier than this day. His long-lost sister stood before him, alive and beautiful. Despite her hardships, she remained lively and optimistic. Ericko was overjoyed. He'd often wondered, for years, if he had been the one kidnapped that day, and Maggie the one who'd lived a pampered life. She hadn't had to endure hardship or push herself.

Maggie gently released him. Her nose and cheeks were flushed from the alcohol. Ericko draped his coat over her shoulders. He took a black card from his bag and handed it to her. "The Camerons won't treat you genuinely. You don't have much money. Keep this card and buy whatever you want. Don't let them bother you."

The final "Send Gifts" appears to be unrelated and should be removed.