Chapter 331 The Present
AL 6:00 PM, after having dinner with Nathael, Maggie was taken to the Camerons‘ mansion.
With the University’s Piano Competition only a week away, the atmosphere at home felt tense.
Joseph’s demeanour remained lifeless. After Maggie leaked the recording, Ronald was visibly disappointed, and lately, he hardly inquired about his well–being.
While Olivia urged Sierra to practice the piano, she also attended to Joseph, adding to the strained atmosphere. Moreover, there seemed to be some tension between her and Ronald, giving the house an air of decay.
“You’re home, Maggie,” Noah, sporting a smile, remarked upon Maggie’s return.
“Hello, Uncle Noah,” Maggie greeted, avoiding Noah’s scrutinizing gaze.
Seeing Maggie’s return, Ronald chimed in, “You’re back. How’s the preparation going for the upcoming round? Do you feel confident?”
Maggie paused before responding, “Dad, I learned to play the piano for a while, but due to lack of time and systematic learning, I don’t feel very confident.”
Sierra, who overheard, couldn’t resist sneering.
She wasn’t sure who that was meant for; to Sierra, it seemed as if Maggie was ciritizing her lack of practice.
“If that’s the case, Maggie, you must be a natural talent, since you’re self–taught and gifted,” Sierra quipped.
Maggie glanced at her and explained, “I did receive guidance from Mr. Dunphy a few times, but without structured learning and consistent practice, I’m bound to be rusty.”
Sierra sneered again, “You need to compose yourself for the third round. How’s your preparation?”
In the previous round, she managed to advance to the third round thanks to her grandfather’s
connections.
However, the third round focused on composing ability. Her grandfather had enlisted several experts to help her with arrangements, and she had been practicing diligently. She was confident of making a lasting impression.
Maggie smiled. “I’m still working on it.
Ronald nodded. “Make sure you all prepare well. We’ve invested a lot in this endeavor, but things seem to be worsening. I hope you give your best.”
After Maggie went upstairs, she passed by Sierra in the hallway.
Sierra’s eyes fell on her. When she noticed the hickeys on her neck, her hand clenched tightly. Suddenly, an unexplainable anger surged within her.
In the next moment, she turned around and called out, “Maggie!”
Maggie stood in the corridor, facing Sierra.
In the dim light of the corridor, Sierra’s face, which was still somewhat attractive, appeared fierce. “Where did you sneak off to last night?”
Sierra knew who had left the marks on her, but she couldn’t help asking.
The thought of the man being especially gentle to her made Sierra feel miserable.
Maggie chuckled. “Do I need to report to you now?”
“You’re not even married, yet you shamelessly sleep with others. Have you no shame?” Sierra blurted out.
Maggie sneered, her eyes cold. “I didn’t know you were so old–fashioned. Are you living in ancient times?”
Maggie gave her a cold look and spoke in a detached tone, “Instead of worrying about these things, you should focus on how to win the next round.
Maggie moved closer, whispering in her ear. “So what if you’re a Cameron? Right now, you’re just a nobody. You’re useless to the Camerons, and soon, everything in this house will be mine.”
Maggie’s eyes filled with tears as she choked up. “Sierra, I know you want to win. Don’t worry. I won’t steal your thunder…
Maggie looked down, smiling bitterly. “You’re overthinking it. I won’t take anything from this family.”
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