Chapter 9 Just Playing Around
As they conversed, laughter erupted from all of them. Vanessa chuckled and remarked, “Never mind. I wouldn’t dare have her serve me. The Camerons have spoiled her since she was a child. Can you imagine her serving something as simple as tea or water?”
As soon as she finished speaking, the others exchanged glances, their gazes shifting behind Vanessa. They awkwardly held their wine glasses, laughing to mask their embarrassment. Unaware of the situation, Vanessa was immersed in the joy of becoming a part of the Adams. 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 and clear voice came from behind. Vanessa’s face stiffened. She hadn’t anticipated Maggie’s arrival. She feared that the Adams would discover any clues, so she kept it a secret. She didn’t want Maggie to hear any news about it, and yet, here she was!
“Maggie, you’ve misunderstood.” Vanessa hurriedly acted anxious, as if she wanted to explain. Maggie smiled, her face radiant and beautiful. She said, “Ms. Brown, you’re eager to please. You truly resemble someone from an embarrassing fallen family. Once you gain power, you reveal your petty nature.” Vanessa hadn’t expected Maggie to be so rude right from the start. Her face turned slightly ugly. “Maggie, I didn’t mean that. You’ve misunderstood.”
She didn’t want to fall out with Maggie just yet. After all, she was using Maggie’s identity, and there were still many things she needed Maggie to do in the immediate future. Maggie smiled faintly and casually said, “If it’s a misunderstanding, there’s no need for an explanation.”
Upon hearing this, Vanessa relaxed a little but still felt uneasy. As expected, Maggie laughed and asked, “But Vanessa, what am I jealous of? Is it that, despite your evident financial struggles, you juggle multiple jobs just to afford those luxury brands? Or perhaps because you live in a poor area but pretend to be of noble birth? Or is it because you have an alcoholic father who occasionally beats you?”
Despite Maggie’s smile, each word she uttered struck a nerve within Vanessa. Vanessa’s face turned pale. She had never expected Maggie to reveal these things in public. Wasn’t Maggie always the easiest to deceive? How could this be? Vanessa’s fingers clenched tightly into her palm, suppressing the anger in her heart.
She forced a smile and said, “Maggie, I didn’t mean that … ”
“Really? So, is it my hearing problem? Or are the people here all sleepwalking?”
Maggie’s almond-shaped eyes turned cold, and the chill in her gaze made Vanessa tremble. Realizing that she couldn’t pretend any longer, Vanessa decided to drop 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 off than mine!”
“Oh, how could I forget? Even if the Camerons adopted you, aren’t you just a plaything for Nathael! On the one hand, you cling to Joseph. On the other hand, you’re having an ambiguous relationship with Nathael? Would someone like Nathael genuinely like you? Let me tell you, he’s just playing around! And, of course, Joseph won’t want you anymore.”
Vanessa’s eyes filled with malice as the resentment she had harbored for many years poured out, bringing her indescribable pleasure. Maggie remained calm and was about to speak when a deep and cold male voice sounded from the guests behind her, “It seems this lady knows my preferences quite well?”
Maggie was stunned for a few seconds before turning to see the crowd spontaneously making its way. Nathael stood tall, emanating an aura of strength and striking handsomeness. His deep, dark phoenix eyes and his eyebrows exuded a hint of cruelty and fierceness. His captivating eyes were fixed on Vanessa, seemingly piercing through her. With his arrival, the noisy crowd quieted down slightly. Many glanced over, and some couldn’t help but lower their voices to discuss.
“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.”
“…”
Meeting the man’s cold and gloomy gaze, Vanessa’s face turned pale. She tried to maintain her composure and said, “Sir… I…” She had never expected Nathael to hear her words. After all, he was someone she didn’t even dare to think about in her daily life! Vanessa struggled to appear composed and decent, but under his gaze, her mind went blank, and her legs trembled involuntarily.
Nathael’s thin lips slightly parted, revealing a hint of playful coldness. “So, do you aspire to become the Third Madam of Harris? Are you trying to choose a wife for me?”
His words made Vanessa’s face even paler. People around them laughed, “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’s face turned pale. She lowered her head uneasily and said, “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 glanced up in astonishment, but Nathael didn’t bother wasting more time with her. Without even glancing at Maggie beside him, he turned and walked away. Maggie paid no attention to Vanessa and swiftly chased after him. “Maggie, I won’t let you get away with this!” Vanessa’s eyes turned red as she glared at Maggie’s retreating figure, clearly blaming Maggie for everything. She never imagined that on the day she was about to become a part of the Adams, stepping into a new chapter of her life, she would offend such a powerful man in Aquapolis!
“Nathael,” Maggie caught up and grabbed his arm.
Nathael halted, coldly staring at the woman in front of him. She was dressed in a black strapless gown that accentuated her graceful figure. The dress was adorned with intricate dark patterns, reflecting specks of light, causing her skin to glow. She looked stunningly beautiful. His eyes darkened slightly, forcing himself to look away. His gaze landed on the hand that held onto him. Her fingers were long and beautiful, not slender but well-proportioned, without any imperfections, making him want to hold and play with them. Nathael suppressed the restlessness in his heart and spoke coldly, “Let me go.”
