In the bustling mall, security was tight, with barriers set up, piquing the curiosity of onlookers who speculated about the imminent arrival of a VIP.
Max and Linda also noticed the heightened activity. Max felt a sense of unease and whispered to Linda, “What do we do now? Should we leave? What if someone important is coming?”
“Should we lay low and confess?” Linda retorted sharply, her voice tinged with anger. “Do you really think Maggie can find a rich man just because she’s pregnant? Considering all the regular folks she interacts with at work every day, do you think that’s even possible? And even if it were, would she truly benefit from it?”
Max reluctantly agreed with Linda’s assessment. He had always looked down on Maggie and found it hard to believe she could be so fortunate.
The mall’s doors slowly swung open, revealing a radiant pregnant woman. The security team stood at attention, and everyone’s gaze was irresistibly drawn to the entrance, eager to catch a glimpse of the VIP.
Linda’s heart skipped a beat, but she decided to launch her offensive. Her voice pierced the silence, sharp and grating, “It’s her! Maggie Nelson! She’s undoubtedly using her unborn child as leverage to manipulate the wealthy. Once she gains power, she’ll use it to humiliate us and drive us away from the shopping center!”
Some people began to take pictures of Maggie, and security personnel stepped in. But Maggie shook her head and confidently stood in front of the crowd, directly facing Max and Linda.
“What evidence do you have to support your claims?” Maggie raised her head and locked eyes with them.
“Publicly revealing your suffering, seeking sympathy and pity is nothing but begging. As a victim, I choose not to go down that path, mainly because I want to set an example for my child. You, as cruel aggressors, are now exploiting my vulnerabilities to attack me. You’re not worthy of forgiveness or pity.”
Maggie’s words completely turned the situation around. Charlie watched everything on the surveillance footage and couldn’t help but whistle. “I never realized Maggie had this kind of capability.”
People began to question Max and Linda, saying, “Yes, they’ve been saying all these awful things about Miss Nelson, but it’s all talk. They haven’t provided any evidence.”
Linda had never imagined that the Maggie they once bullied would suddenly be so different.
Max stuttered, attempting to counter, “You did… you did betray me. We broke up just a few days ago, and you’re already pregnant with someone else’s child. When we were together, you were already pregnant with someone else’s child. You had relations with other men. You can’t deny that!”
“That’s only because I’m having twins,” Maggie replied without emotion, staring directly at Max. The contempt in her eyes made him instinctively take a step back. Deep down, both Maggie and Linda knew that Max was the true betrayer.
“Our private matters shouldn’t be broadcast, but now I have to protect myself and stand up against you two vipers, or you’ll drag me down into the abyss,” Maggie produced some printed notices and said, “Take a look at these.”
Inside the mall, an internal notice barred Max and Linda’s entry. Linda immediately began to jump and stomp her feet. “You must have faked this! You have the power and ability to do such a thing!”
“It’s an official document that regulatory authorities can verify. If your false accusations are proven to be lies, will you take responsibility?” Maggie continued to question, her unwavering gaze relentless. “The notice was issued a week ago. How could I use my authority to bully you today?”
“There’s more.” Maggie had someone pull up screenshots from the surveillance footage. “Linda, you enjoy high-end venues, sign my name, and use my credit card. Tell me, which friend would hold hands while shopping, even openly kiss a friend’s boyfriend?”
These images, displayed in the sunlight, provided irrefutable evidence, revealing the truth.
Maggie shone like the goddess of justice, her words radiating brilliance. “The real betrayers, those who betray conscience and friendship, are both of you! Your misdeeds will face legal judgment; you wait and see.”
Security escorted Maggie upstairs, and the air was filled with applause and cheers of support. Max and Linda slinked away in shame.
Maggie’s selected dresses were neatly packed into an exquisite box. Just then, Charlie walked in. “Miss Nelson, how was your shopping experience today?”
“It was fantastic. The service here is outstanding,” Maggie generously complimented everyone present. “But Charlie, what brings you here? Aren’t you supposed to be working with Aldrich?”
At this moment, Maggie quickly scanned the surroundings, hoping to spot Aldrich, but he was nowhere in sight.
Charlie handed over a document, saying, “Maggie, Mr. Barrett is swamped with work, and due to certain circumstances, he’s running late. He asked me to apologize on his behalf.” When Charlie mentioned “certain circumstances,” his gaze intensified, making Maggie shift uncomfortably.
“This is a gift from Aldrich. Please sign the document.” Charlie indicated for Maggie to sign the papers.
Maggie quickly skimmed through the document. Her voice quickened, “Transferring ownership of the mall? Aldrich is actually transferring such a huge mall to me? This is truly astounding!”
Charlie raised an eyebrow and smirked. “Indeed, Luna.”
Before Maggie resolved Max and Linda’s situation, Charlie had assumed she was someone who’d only cry when faced with difficulties. Now his perspective had shifted slightly. Accepting a shopping center as a gift wasn’t as difficult as he had imagined, but he believed Maggie should carefully consider her desires to become Aldrich’s Luna.
Maggie returned to Barrett Manor with the document and the gift box, eagerly awaiting Aldrich’s return from work.
Finally, during dinner, the table was set with Maggie’s favorite food-delicious and nutritious. After taking the last bite, Maggie looked at Aldrich with gratitude, her eyes shimmering with admiration. She gathered her courage and expressed her feelings sincerely, “Aldrich, I want to thank you for your help today; you’ve been amazing. However, I can’t accept the gift of transferring ownership of the mall; it’s too valuable.”
Aldrich’s lips curved into a subtle smile. Leaning back in his chair, his eyes sparkled with an intriguing glint. He gently tapped his wine glass, creating a soft melody. “Maggie, dear, this gift is a token of my gratitude for becoming my temporary companion. But if accepting this gift makes you uncomfortable, I won’t insist. Your happiness means a lot to me.”
Upon hearing Aldrich’s understanding words, Maggie felt a sense of relief. She deeply understood that accepting such an expensive gift would only complicate their relationship further. She nodded appreciatively and said, “Thank you, Aldrich. I’m glad you understand. However, I have another idea. What if I use flowers from the garden instead? I can choose some and sell them at the old lady’s store. It would be a kind gesture, a way of repaying her for past kindness.”
Aldrich genuinely raised his eyebrows in surprise, his gaze fixed on Maggie, sensing her sincerity and admiring her thoughtfulness. He nodded and said, “Maggie, that’s a great idea. You can pick the flowers you find suitable from my garden. After all, within the terms of our agreement, to some extent, you are the lady of Barrett Manor, even if it’s a disguise.”
Maggie smiled with joy. She became more confident and at ease, able to openly express her thoughts. This newfound sense of relaxation made her feel at ease. She knew that all these changes were thanks to Aldrich.