Chapter 138 The Plagiarist
Eleanor, filled with trepidation, carefully examined the birthmark on Adalia's neck. She feared she might be mistaken, but there it was, a distinct red circle.
"What a coincidence," Eleanor murmured. Fiorello bore a similar mark, though his was hidden on his waist.
Just then, Irene entered, a soft blanket in her hands. "I've brought the blanket," she announced.
Eleanor, cradling the surprisingly light Adalia, declared, "I'll take her to bed to rest."
Fiorello's office housed a small resting room, a sanctuary for when fatigue took hold. It was a well-equipped space, and Eleanor gently laid Adalia down on the bed, tucking her in for a peaceful sleep.
Approximately thirty minutes later, Fiorello returned to the office. He had just finalized an acquisition contract with George and was surprised to find Eleanor there.
"Eleanor, who is that little girl?" he asked, curiosity piqued.
"She's a child from Cityhomes West," Eleanor explained, "Maggie and I found her on the roadside. Where's Adalia?"
"She's resting," Eleanor replied, her voice softening, "She's a lovely child, just a bit thin. Speaking of children, when are you and Maggie planning to start a family? I'm tired of being the only one among my friends without grandchildren. It's quite disheartening."
Fiorello was momentarily taken aback, then managed to say, "There should be good news soon." He had faith in himself, and perhaps, Maggie was already carrying their child.
Eleanor's face lit up at the news. "Well done," she praised, "I can't wait to meet my grandchild."
Fiorello merely smiled, his expression softening at the mention of Maggie.
"Fiorello," Eleanor continued, "When do you plan to bring Maggie back to the Flores Mansion? You can't keep your relationship a secret forever. We must make sure that Maggie becomes Mrs. Flores with all the dignity she deserves."
"Maggie's birthday is approaching," Fiorello said in a low voice, "I have a plan."
"Are you planning to confess your love at her birthday party?" Eleanor asked.
Fiorello nodded.
Eleanor sighed in relief, a smile playing on her lips. "Fiorello, you are so romantic. If you had thought of this earlier, you would have had many children by now."
With Maggie's birthday two months away, Fiorello had already begun secret preparations for a surprise party.
As they conversed about Maggie, a message from her popped up on Fiorello's phone.
Maggie: [How is Adalia doing?]
After a hectic morning, Maggie finally found a moment to rest. She immediately messaged Fiorello, concerned about Adalia's wellbeing.
Fiorello: [She is asleep. After eating, I took her to the hospital for a check-up. She has severe anemia and malnutrition.]
Maggie's heart sank at the news.
Maggie: [Fiorello, what are you planning to do with Adalia?]
Adalia was Alan and Susan's daughter. As outsiders, they could only do so much to shield her from harm. They could provide temporary assistance, but they couldn't protect her indefinitely or address the root of the problem.
Alan and Susan had also refused mediation from community workers, complicating the situation further.
Fiorello: [I will take her back later and see how things go.]
Maggie found herself cornered. Adalia's absence had stretched on for far too long. The prospect of involving the authorities, either by reporting Adalia's disappearance or accusing the couple of abduction, promised to complicate matters beyond their control.
In the midst of this predicament, a coworker approached Maggie with a pressing issue. "Maggie," she said, "could you help me pick up a guest's bracelet? I have diarrhea."
Maggie, unable to deny such a minor request, responded without hesitation, "Of course."
"Thank you," the coworker replied, relief evident in her voice. "The bracelet is at the front desk. It was just delivered. The guest will be arriving shortly to collect it."
"Consider it done," Maggie assured her. Noticing the discomfort etched on her coworker's face, she added, "You should head to the restroom immediately."
With a grateful nod, her coworker dashed off in the direction of the restroom.
Maggie descended to the front desk to collect the bracelet, returning just as the guest made her entrance.
The guest was none other than Jaqueline Mitchell, the wife of a prominent bank president. She had specifically requested Selena to craft a custom bracelet for her and had decided to personally collect it during a visit to the company.
Maggie ushered her into the meeting room, presenting the bracelet with a courteous, "Mrs. Mitchell, this is the bracelet you requested. Please, have a look."
The anticipation was palpable as Jaqueline eagerly opened the jewelry box. Upon laying eyes on the finished product, she was taken aback by its beauty. "It's beautiful! This is precisely the bracelet I envisioned," she exclaimed.
Maggie, too, was taken aback, but for a different reason. The beauty of the bracelet was not what surprised her, but rather the fact that she had designed it herself.
'The company never commissioned me to design any jewelry for customers. This design was merely a doodle of mine. How did it end up as a finished product?' she wondered.
"Welcome, Mrs. Mitchell," Selena's warm greeting echoed as she entered the room.
In that moment, everything fell into place for Maggie.
Selena had stolen her design.
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