When the moon climbed up the curtains, Maggie woke up, as per her agreement with Aldrich. She had never disappointed him, and she proved it once again.
As she looked at the sleeping Aldrich by her side, she couldn’t help but admire his handsome features. The faint bruise under his eye betrayed the exhaustion he tried to hide with his calm demeanor, but even so, Maggie found him extremely attractive.
While Aldrich slept, Maggie dared to take her time, unabashedly and even greedily, tracing Aldrich’s features with her fingers. He was the Creator’s most outstanding masterpiece. Her hand glided from his forehead to his well-defined, thick eyebrows, their steepness and charm captivating her. She lightly kissed them and moved her fingers down to his prominent nose, playfully tapping it before finally touching Aldrich’s lips.
Maggie let out a soft chuckle, knowing full well that Aldrich’s increasingly rapid breath had already betrayed him.
But she was willing to indulge this passionate man.
She slowly lowered her head, closing the distance between their lips. The closeness was so intimate that she could feel the tiny hairs on Aldrich’s cheeks bristle.
“Aldrich, I knew you were awake!” Maggie suddenly laughed. She tried to retreat from Aldrich’s embrace, but he held her head with a sudden movement, passionately kissing her, his desire overwhelming.
The fiery kiss was almost too much for Maggie to handle. The room heated up rapidly as their passion entwined. Their bodies were craving more, but their passion was interrupted by a knock on the door.
“Boss, I brought back the documents.” Charlie stood outside, knocking on the door, completely unaware that he had ruined Aldrich’s intimate moment.
Maggie quickly pushed Aldrich away, only then realizing that his eyes were bloodshot, consumed by intense desire. He disregarded her protests and got closer again, swallowing her gasps and pleas. Aldrich thought that if Charlie had any sense, he would choose to leave.
But the knocking resumed.
“Boss, the door isn’t locked. Can I come in?”
Reason finally returned, and Aldrich ended the light kiss with great frustration. He regretted not locking the door earlier.
Aldrich opened the door slightly, revealing a crack. “Charlie, please go to my study and bring the documents for the clients we’re meeting tomorrow.”
The strong scent filled the air, and if Charlie hadn’t figured out what had just happened in the room, seeing Aldrich’s red lips made it clear. “Uh… understood.”
Aldrich nodded, but Charlie still stood there, head down.
“What are you looking for?”
“A crack in the floor.” Charlie raised his head, looking stunned. “Somewhere to disappear.”
Aldrich narrowed his eyes. “Well, hurry up!”
“Okay!”
After pushing Charlie aside, Aldrich didn’t close the door. He went back to the small living area in the bedroom. Maggie had tidied up and was sitting on the sofa, though her lips were slightly swollen. Realizing it was his doing, Aldrich’s blood boiled again. He didn’t know how long he could hold on.
“Maggie, we need to discuss business.” Aldrich sat across from her.
Maggie nodded. “Yes.”
Aldrich’s voice broke the silence, laced with both curiosity and concern. “I wanted to discuss the bead with you. Its power and origin have piqued my interest.”
Maggie turned her attention to Aldrich, her eyes reflecting a mix of weariness and intrigue. She shifted in her seat, a subtle gesture of acknowledgment. “That bead, Aldrich, is actually the eyes of the owl sculpture. The energy it contains is akin to the power I gather each night-the power bestowed by the moon goddess herself. However, once its energy is depleted, it needs to be replenished. It’s as if the knowledge of how to use it comes to me instinctively,” she explained, choosing to keep the secret of Mrs. Jenkins’ teachings hidden.
Aldrich leaned closer, captivated by her words. “If the bead originates from the temple of Bacca, there is a possibility that there are more artifacts imbued with such extraordinary power. Perhaps a visit to the site is warranted, to uncover the secrets that lie within.”
Maggie’s expression shifted, a mix of pensiveness and determination settling on her features. “Indeed, Aldrich. It is worth exploring. Who knows what other treasures we may stumble upon? Our journey could reveal even greater sources of power.”
Charlie, who had been listening intently just outside the room, couldn’t contain his emotions any longer. The revelation that all the energy within the bead had been expended to save his life filled him with a sense of awe and appreciation.
Such a miraculous energy, not to mention 50 million, even 500 million, would have people clamoring to get their hands on it!
Driven by gratitude and an unyielding determination to repay Maggie’s kindness, Charlie stepped forward, his voice filled with newfound resolve. “Maggie, I promise you, I will find more of these beads. I will do everything within my power to ensure that you have them.”
Maggie’s eyes softened with gratitude and trust as she looked at Charlie, her heart touched by his unwavering loyalty. “Thank you, Charlie. Your loyalty means the world to me,” she said, her voice brimming with genuine appreciation and the unbreakable bond forged through their shared experiences.
Maggie stood in awe, truly comprehending the incredible power contained within the bead. It left her both amazed and astonished. Determination welled up inside her, urging her to intensify her training efforts, to replenish the bead in her possession with its full potential.
In the midst of the revelations, Aldrich, burdened by conflicting emotions, issued a command to Charlie. “Charlie, mobilize all our global connections to search for more of these beads,” he ordered, his voice tinged with urgency. Yet deep within, he couldn’t help but worry about the toll Maggie’s rigorous training would take on her. He feared that her relentless pursuit of power might push her to exhaustion and endanger her well-being.
Charlie, aware of Aldrich’s concerns, nodded solemnly. “I understand, Aldrich. I’ll use every resource available to find these energy-infused beads for Maggie. ”
Aldrich’s gaze softened, a mix of gratitude and concern evident in his eyes. “Thank you, Charlie. ”
As the moon rose high in the night sky, casting its ethereal glow through the window, Maggie delved into her training. The room was adorned with flickering candlelight, their soft illumination dancing on the walls. She moved with grace and purpose, each movement a testament to her dedication and determination.
Aldrich gently pushed open the door, his eyes searching the room for Maggie. He found her, her figure bathed in the moonlight that filtered through the windows. She was focused, her brows furrowed in concentration, her muscles taut with effort. Sensing his presence, she paused her movements and turned to face him, her eyes reflecting a mix of weariness and determination.
“Aldrich, I appreciate your concern, but you must understand that I need to do this,” Maggie said, her voice tinged with a hint of exasperation. “My body can handle it. I can handle it.”
Aldrich took a step closer, his concern etched deeply into his features. “Maggie, I worry for you. This training is demanding, and I fear it may push you beyond your limits. I cannot bear the thought of anything happening to you.”
Maggie sighed, her frustration mingling with understanding. She knew Aldrich’s intentions were rooted in his unwavering care for her, but she also knew the importance of pushing herself to unlock her true potential. With a determined gaze, she spoke, her voice filled with conviction. “Aldrich, I appreciate your concern, truly. But I have to do this. I have to push myself to become stronger, for our kind, for our future.”
Aldrich’s eyes searched Maggie’s face, the flickering candlelight casting shadows that danced across his features. He saw the determination in her eyes, the unwavering resolve that burned within her. Reluctantly, he nodded, his worry still present but tempered by the understanding that Maggie was driven by a purpose greater than herself.
“Very well, Maggie,” Aldrich said, his voice laced with a mixture of resignation and acceptance. “I will trust in your strength and your judgment. But promise me, if it becomes too much, you will not hesitate to seek help.”
Maggie saw the typically cold and unyielding CEO transform into someone so tender and talkative in front of her. Unable to suppress her mixed feelings of amusement and exasperation, she couldn’t help but say, “Aldrich, I will listen to my body and take care of myself. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to continue my training. Please leave my room.”
Aldrich nodded, a flicker of pride shimmering in his eyes. He stepped back, allowing Maggie to resume her practice. As he closed the door behind him, he couldn’t shake off the worry entirely, but he also couldn’t deny the admiration he felt for Maggie’s unwavering determination.
In the silence of the room, Maggie’s focus returned. She let the worries and distractions melt away, immersing herself fully in the training that lay before her. The scent of candles, a delicate mix of vanilla and sandalwood, hung in the air, mingling with the tension and anticipation that crackled within her.
As the night wore on, the room remained enveloped in a blanket of intense focus and determination. Maggie’s movements became fluid and seamless, each action flowing effortlessly into the next.
Maggie immersed herself in her training. Tonight was different, though. It was as if an invisible force propelled her forward, igniting her abilities with newfound intensity.
As Maggie focused her attention, a surge of energy coursed through her veins. She felt an inexplicable connection to the celestial forces surrounding her, their ethereal presence guiding her every move. With heightened perception, she could now see the intricate pathways of energy flowing within her, like shimmering threads of light dancing beneath her skin.
A gasp escaped her lips as she witnessed the mesmerizing spectacle unfolding before her eyes. With each deliberate motion, tendrils of light emanated from her palms, weaving a tapestry of raw power that streamed into the precious gemstone clasped in her hand. It was a sight that filled her with wonder and awe, for it signified a breakthrough beyond anything she had ever experienced.
Elation surged through Maggie’s veins, electrifying her senses. The realization that her connection with the owl talisman had transcended her previous limitations fueled her determination to push further. It was as if a dam had burst within her, releasing an unstoppable torrent of potential.
With trembling hands, Maggie carefully cradled the first bead, brimming with an immense reservoir of energy and a bead is worth 25 million. Its worth was immeasurable, not only in monetary value but in the untapped power it held. Though yesterday she had used two beads, depleting their energy, she now had the means to replenish them. Still, a question gnawed at her mind-were there limits to the beads’ usage?
In search of answers, Maggie was determined to find another opportunity to talk to Mrs. Jenkins. Too many mysteries troubled her, and she needed guidance and assistance.